Group Decision Making Methods

 

To assist with making decisions on complex topics where all of the data may not be known or complete the Delphi technique is often used (Niederberger & Spranger, 2020).  The Delphi technique brings a diverse group of subject matter experts together through structured processes.  The Delphi technique utilizes a systematic questioning process in order to gather thoughts from the experts (CFI, n.d.). To gain consensus amongst such a diverse group is challenging so acceptable outcomes of utilizing the Delphi technique are 1) the ability to forecast the future, 2) an expanded view of the topic, and 3) develop an expert’s view (Niederberger & Spranger, 2020).  

Another group decision making method is the RAPID framework.  The RAPID framework assists organizations in making decision by driving accountability in the decision-making process (Daly, 2022).  The RAPID framework is a five-step process which includes the following 1) recommend a decision or action, 2) provide input to a recommendation, 3) decide – make the decision, 4) formally agree to a decision, and 5) Be accountable for performing a decision once made. To assist with making decisions on complex topics where all of the data may not be known or complete the Delphi technique is often used (Niederberger & Spranger, 2020).  

The nominal group technique is another group decision making method.  The nominal group technique requires everyone to provide their thoughts and opinions (Tiburca, 2020).  Once these are gathered the group discusses, fine tunes, and prioritizes.  The team is left with one or multiple solutions.

The Delphi technique gathers information through the use of surveys or questionnaires from anonymous experts in the area while the nominal group technique uses a moderator to gather thoughts and opinions from everyone which are then openly and thoroughly discussed (Directorpoint, n.d.).  Similarly, the Delphi technique can go through multiple rounds of questionnaires with each getting narrower in focus while with the nominal group technique there is dialogue around each idea in order to clarify the thought.  In both the Delphi and nominal group techniques the ideas are prioritized as more knowledge is gained around the ideas.

Both the Delphi technique and the RAPID technique should be utilized for complex decisions as they can not be executed quickly (Organizational Psychology, n.d.).  The RAPID technique also has clearly identified roles whereas the nominal group technique and Delphi technique do not.  The Delphi, nominal group technique, and the RAPID technique are all similar in that information is gathered from numerous people with a variety of perspectives prior to the decision being made.  Each of the methods discussed as its own advantages and disadvantages when choosing a group decision making technique it is important to understand the issue that needs to be answered in order to choose the best technique.

References

CFI. (n.d.). What is the delphi method. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/delphi-method

Daly, C. (2022, January 6). 5 effective group decision-making techniques. https://thoughtexchange.com/blog/group-decision-making-techniques

Directorpoint. (n.d.). Comparing delphi and ngt decision techniques. https://landing.directorpoint.com/blog/delphi-and-ngt-decision-techniques

Niederberger, M & Spranger, J. (2020, September 22). Delphi technique in health sciences: A map. Front: Public Health, 8(457). Doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.0057

Organizational Psychology. (n.d.). 5 group decision-making techniques. https://organizationalpsychologydegrees.com/lists/5-group-decision-making-techniques

Tiburca, A. (2020, March). The ultimate guide to group decision making – techniques, tools, and strategies. https://www.airfocus.com/blog/guide-to-group-decision-making-techniques-tools/