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Groups

Creativity, Techniques

Definition:

Research evidence suggests groups no more risk-oriented than individuals making decisions alone.

Factors that contribute to low group creativity:

No common Goals or core focus.

No standard method of making decisions is followed.

Process of generating ideas is not separated from evaluation of ideas..

Idea not evaluated on merits. Evaluated in terms of which group member suggested them.

Idea does not become property of the group.

Conclusion is an individual product instead of a group product.

Group does not perceive others time as a valuable and scarce resource.

Some members do not feel sufficiently at ease to participate and submit their ideas (they fear derision or reprisal)

Some members dominate or deflect the group from its stated purpose.

Techniques to Encourage Creativity

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is the technique of separation of idea generation from idea evaluation. The principal of Deferred judgment, Group generates many possible solutions, effects and outcomes without becoming bogged down in criticizing suggestions.

The steps taken are to

· Assemble work group and appoint session leader.

· Explain focus of the session. Define the purpose and/or problem.

· Set a time limit for the session

· Select a recording method.

· Review the rules of brainstorming

a. Break down complex problems

b. Any member can propose any suggestion or idea at any time.

c. Ideas must be generated as quickly as possible

d. Use ideas already suggested to spawn new ones

e. Criticisms or evaluations are not allowed during the ‘brainstorm period’.

f. Lengthy explanations or discussions are to be postponed

g. The more suggestions the better

h. The session runs for allotted time or until no more ideas are forthcoming

i. Idea evaluation is separate from the follow s idea generation.

j. Do not use brainstorming as substitute for individual thinking. It is a supplement.

Nominal Group Technique (NGT)

NGT is a tool, which allows a team or group to quickly arrive at a consensus for some decision where many opportunities can be chosen. It allows equal participation from all involved, and is a logical and democratic way at arriving at one selection from many.

The steps taken are to

• Generate a list of solutions or ideas or possibilities
• Eliminate duplicates
• List all choices
• Each person to rank all choices
• Combine rankings
• Select final choice by outcome

Several weighting score methods exist, and the final choice may not simply be the one with the highest score, as similar scoring selections may have considerable division amongst the team. It may also require two or more stages to reduce the selection from many to a few before final voting.

Delphi Technique

Used to make group decisions when members’ cannot attend a meeting. Method of gathering systematically written judgments forms members using a set of sequentially modified questionnaires interspersed with summaries of results from previous rounds of information gathering from members. Developed by the Rand Corporation as a way of forecasting future events of national and international importance. Takes considerable time and effort. Members may not know other group members. Requires central co-ordination mechanism to manage the alteration, transmission and summarization of questionnaire data.

The steps taken are to

• Each group member independently and anonymously records comments, suggestions, and solutions to the problem facing the group.
• All data generated in step 1 are sent to a centrally located individual who is responsible for data compilation and reproduction.
• Each member receives a copy of all written comments from other members.
• Members generate feedback on other members; comments, and all second round feedback is written down and sent to the centrally located individual.
• Step 3 and 4 are repeated as many times as necessary to reach consensus.

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