nominalgruppeteknikken

Nominal group technique, known in Norwegian as nominalgruppeteknikken, is a structured method for generating and prioritizing ideas within a group. It combines independent idea generation with a formal process of discussion and voting to yield a ranked list of priorities. The technique was developed in the 1960s–1970s by Andre Delbecq and Claire Van de Ven.

The procedure typically involves five stages: (a) silent idea generation, where participants write down ideas without discussion; (b) round-robin reporting, with each participant presenting one idea in turn; (c) clarification and discussion, in which ideas are explained but criticism is withheld to avoid debate; (d) individual ranking or voting, where participants privately score or rank the ideas; and (e) aggregation of scores to produce a prioritized outcome.

Advantages of the method include equal participation, reduced influence from dominant personalities, and a clear, auditable prioritization that can be completed relatively quickly. Limitations include potential restrictions on spontaneous creativity, the need for a skilled facilitator, and dependence on the quality of generated ideas. Electronic variants and software tools can extend the technique to larger groups or remote participants.

Applications span policy development, product and service design, healthcare planning, research prioritization, and organizational strategy. Related approaches include brainstorming and the Delphi method. Nominalgruppeteknikken is adaptable to in-person or online formats and can be tailored to fit various group sizes and contexts.