The nominal group technique is an alternative to traditional voting methods that allows each participant to provide a solution and reasoning. It encourages discussion among group members and can result in a solution that includes ideas presented by each participant. Critics believe it is ineffective at dealing with complex problems and requires too much structure.
The nominal group technique is a decision-making method that can serve as an alternative to traditional voting methods. In traditional voting, solutions are often decided by majority vote. A nominal group method, on the other hand, allows each participant to provide a solution and reasoning as to why their solution best solves a problem. This technique can allow for a greater degree of discussion among group members and can result in a solution that includes ideas presented by each participant.
When practicing the nominal group technique, each group member has an opportunity to present a solution to a problem. A participant can explain how he arrived at this solution and how it can potentially be useful. A moderator makes a list of solutions and can discard solutions that are duplicates of other ideas.
Once group members have created a list of solutions, voting takes place. To make a quick decision, the top-level solution can be taken by a group. Many proponents of the nominal group technique, however, choose to encourage discussion rather than happy voting.
Discussions of nominal group members can allow participants to perceive benefits and shortcomings of each solution that they had not previously recognized. Some brokers try to create hybrid solutions based on features of different solutions. In this way, mediators can create a solution that addresses the main concerns of each group member.
Proponents of the nominal group technique believe that this method can give equal value to each individual’s opinion. In many situations, one or two individuals might dominate the conversation, overshadowing the ideas offered by the less vocal group members. The nominal group technique ensures that each participant has the opportunity to present their perspective.
Individuals dealing with controversial or divisive topics can also benefit from the nominal group technique. These types of discussions can be heated, and the nominal group decision-making process can allow participants to better understand the viewpoints of their colleagues. Many participants in nominal groups find that people they disagree with actually share similar goals and concerns.
Critics of the nominal group technique believe it is ineffective at dealing with complex problems. This method allows members to discuss only one problem and its corresponding solution at a time. Problems with multiple aspects are in danger of oversimplification. Others believe this technique requires too much structure as a nominal group meeting must be planned in advance. This can make the nominal group technique a poor choice for people who need to solve problems quickly.
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