Q. 91  Nominal group technique (NGT) is a type of brainstorming with limited vocal interaction (Thus the word “Nominal”). In what scenarios should NGT be preferred over traditional brainstorming? 

 

 

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The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured group‐based technique used to build consensus. Participants are asked to individually reflect and to generate ideas based on predetermined, structured questions asked by a facilitator. 

 

It helps to prevent the domination of the discussion by a single person, encourages all group members to participate and results in unbiased solutions.

 

This technique will be used when various people are involved like programs staff, stakeholders, community residents etc.

Nominal Group Technique is an extension of Brainstorming. It is a structured method for group brainstorming used to encourage contributions from everyone in the group. It is a way of using small group discussion to reach consensus. Hence the technique is helpful when we want to take everyone's opinion but also want to make quick decisions.

 

Here is when NGT would be prefered over traditional brainstorming:

1. When not everyone can think when everyone is talking, some members prefer silence to come up with ideas.
2. When some group members are very vocal and overshadow others.
3. When some or all members don't know each other well and hence there is a lack of comfort.
4. when there is a possibility of conflict.
5. When group is not able to come up with enough ideas 
6. When not all group members are participating
7. When some group members but others' ideas short. The usual four step process to conduct Nominal Group Technique is outlined below:

1. Generating Ideas:  The moderator introduces the problem to group and indicates that everyone should write their ideas individually and without any discussion.
2. Recording Ideas: Members engage in a round-robin session where they share their ideas  with the moderator without any discussion or cross questions. No duplicate ideas need to be mentioned.  The moderator records the points where everyone can see them.
3.  Discussing Ideas: each recorded idea is the discussed at this stage.
4. Voting on Ideas:  Individuals are now asked to vote privately to prioritize the ideas. The ideas that are most highly rated as per the vote tally are the most favoured group action or ideas.

Advantage of NGT:

1. It can generates a large number of ideas in a more comfortable environment.
2. It allows the group to prioritize the ideas and everyone has a say in the form of their vote.
3. It reduces the fear of standing out in the group esp when the opinion is different than others.
4. Encourages participants to avoid conflict.
5. Balances the influence of individuals who are too vocal or too quiet 

 

 

NGT - Nominal Group Technique is a method for generating a small list of action items.

NGT is mostly preferred in following scenarios.

1. When the discussion group is new, and with several new members.

2. When topic of discussion is controversial.

3. When team is unable to resolve disagreements.

Nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured method for group brainstorming that encourages contributions from everyone whereas the objective of brainstorming is to provide participants an opportunity to engage in creative problem solving.

Nominal group technique (NGT) uses a more structured format to obtain multiple inputs from several people on a particular problem or issue however NGT is not used as often as it should be. Each member of the group writes down his or her ideas which are then discussed and prioritized one by one by the group, thus the word “Nominal” with limited vocal interaction.

 

Following is the way basis which the Nominal Group Technique is conducted with limited vocal interaction:

1.    The facilitator discusses the problem which requires decision

2.    The participants are given time to write down there ideas and thoughts that come in their minds for the problem. No discussion is allowed with other members / group members

3.    Once all the members have written, they are allowed to share the ideas with the group members

4.    The facilitator writes down the ideas of each group on the flip chart. It gives all the members equal opportunity to share what they feel

5.    Once the key points from the ideas are written on the flip chart, each member explains his/her point to the other members.

6.    The facilitator tries to maintain the discussion as neutral as possible, thereby avoiding the criticism and judgement

7.    Once all the points are discussed and explained, the members are asked to give vote or rank various ideas by prioritizing these in relation to the problem

 

There are advantages and disadvantages in any technique we use. Some of the advantages and disadvantages with Nominal Group Technique is laid down below:

 

Advantages:

1. Voting is anonymous
2. Equal opportunity to speak
3. Interactions within group members and hence distractions inherent in other group methods are minimized.
4. Scope of too many volunteers or speakers is minimized with limited vocal interaction

Disadvantages:

1. Opinions may not converge in the voting process
2. Cross-fertilization of ideas may be constrained
3. Mechanical process

Scenarios when NGT be preferred?

• When some group members are much more vocal than others
• When some group members think better in silence
• When some group members are quiet and shy
• When there is concern about some members not participating
• When the group does not easily generate quantities of ideas
• When all or some group members are new to the team
• When the issue is controversial or there is heated conflict

A brainstorming session is usually done to generate creative ideas and possible solutions where every participant is encouraged to think aloud and suggest as many as possible regardless how effective they are. No answer is judged right or wrong. In a nutshell, brainstorming--gather many ideas as much as you can.

After the gathering of these ideas, they are filtered, evaluated, deliberated in a separate session leading to nominal group technique.

 

NGT is preferred over traditional Brainstorming where conflict is to be avoided

In Brainstorming session participant are less supposed to be involved as they may have fear they will look foolish or stupid whereas in NGT each member is allowed to think individually and anonymously vote for the best ones 

NGT is preffered -

when some group members are much more vocal than others

when some group members think more in silence

when there is a concern about some participants  not participating

when all or some group members are new to the team

when the group does not easily generate quantities of ideas

when the issue is controversial or there is heated conflict

when stakeholders like some quantitative output of the process

When there is a power-imbalance between facilitator and participants or participants: The structure of the NGT session can balance these out.

This was an easy question and we received many answers. But it is important to phrase the answer in your own words for it to be accepted and approved on the Forum. The best answer today is that of Vastupal for completeness and the level of detail. Congratulations!