Michigan State University Extension
Issue Identification Information - III00005
10/01/94
Nominal group process is a structured problem-solving or
ides-generating strategy in which individuals'; ideas are
gathered and combined in a face-to-face nonthreatening
group situation. The process is used in health, social
service, and education fields, as well as in industry and
government to maximize creative participation in group
problem-solving. It assures a balanced input from all
participants and takes advantage of each person's knowledge
and experience. In a needs assessment, it is useful for
generating and clarifying ideas, reaching consensus,
prioritizing, and making decisions on proposed alternative
actions.
While the nominal group process can be varied, one
approach might be for members of a small group to write
their individual ideas on paper. Round-robin feedback from
each person then follow, with each person's concerns being
listed on a flip chart in full view; next, each idea is
discussed for clarification and evaluation. Priorities are
ordered by silent balloting; group discussion of the ballot
results would round out the process.
A community advisory group or task force might consider
using a nominal group process technique under these
circumstances:
- To determine what community problems are of greatest
immediate concern;
- To decide on a needs assessment strategy for dealing with the identified problems;
- To design improved community services or programs;
- At a community forum or ton meeting where broad citizen input is needed on a proposed plan for land use, transportation, public services, or school expansion.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nominal Group Process for community needs assessment
Advantages - If well organized in advance, a heterogeneous group can move toward definite group conclusions
- Can be used to expand the data obtained form surveys or existing documents, or can be used to generate a more specific survey
- Motivates all participants to get involved because they sense they are personally affected
- Generates many ideas in a short period of time; allows for a full range of individual thoughts and concerns
- A good way to obtain input from people of different backgrounds and experiences
- Gives al participants an equal opportunity to express opinions and ideas in a nonthreatening setting
- Allows individual generation of ideas without suppression by any dominant group member
- Stimulates creative thinking and effective dialogue
- Allows for clarification of ideas
Disadvantages - Requires a skilled leader
- May be extremely difficult to implement with large audiences unless advance preparation has taken place to train group facilitator and divide participants into groups of 6-10 members
- Process may appear rigid if group leader does not show flexibility - encourage agenda building, and show respect for all ideas and concerns
- May be some overlap of ideas due to unclear wording or inadequate group discussion
- "Knowledgeable" individuals selected to participate may not represent all community subgroups
- Assertive personalities may dominate unless leadership skills are exercised
- may not be a sufficient source of data in itself; may require follow-up survey, observations, or documentary analysis
- Inappropriate technique for routine meetings, bargaining, negotiation, or coordination
Sources of additional help:
Library - Delbecq, Andre, Andrew Van de Ven, and David Gustafson, "Group Techniques for Program Planning: A Guide to nominal Group and Delphi Processes." Glenview, IL; Scott, Foresman and Co., 1975. Van de Ven, Andrew and Andre Delbecq. "Guidelines for Leaders in Conducting Nominal Group Meetings." Madison, WI: Center for the Study of Program Administration, 1971.
Local- People specialized in citizen participation, group process facilitation, or leadership training in social and health services, Extension, education, industry, and planning.