Using the Nominal Group Technique in Group Decision- making: A Review

AbstractThere are different methods for group decision-making, one of the most important and widely used of which is the nominal group technique. Nominal Group Technique is a highly structured, face to face group discussion method where every participant is provided an opportunity to participate. Where opinions of all participants are considered equally important and are heard by other members. As compared to interacting groups the NGT groups provide more unique ideas, more balanced participation between group members, increased feelings of accomplishment, and greater satisfaction with idea quality and group efficiency. The technique is helpful in identifying problems, exploring solutions, and establishing priorities. It works particularly well in "stranger groups", in which it is important to neutralize differences in status and verbal dominance among group members. NGT typically includes four steps: generating ideas/ brainstorming, recording ideas, discussing ideas, and voting on ideas. As with any technique, there are advantages and disadvantages. The primary advantage of the NGT over other strategies is the enhanced opportunity for all participants to contribute ideas and to minimize the domination of the process by more confident or outspoken individuals. NGT is more useful for Evaluation and decision-making, when we have one single topic to explore, participants with different power relations within the same group; when consulting various stakeholders groups within same research (e.g. from students through to experts).

Keywords:

NGT , Nominal Group Technique , medical education