Different Techniques in Group Decision-Making

by Aaron Marquis, Demand Media
Group decision-making techniques narrow down possible solutions and control internal conflict.


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Assembling employees into decision-making groups is one method of tackling an issue or problem in the workplace. The more minds working on a single problem the more potential solutions are created. However, making a final decision in a group may be difficult in certain circumstances. Group decision-making techniques help businesses turn ideas into action plans.

Nominal Group Technique

The nominal group technique aims to eliminate "group think" among members when ideas are presented. Under the nominal group technique, a group moderator is selected to write on a display board in the front. The group moderator states the problem that the group must solve. Group members individually write their solution ideas on paper or notecards and do not converse with one another. The group moderator takes the notecards, lists the solutions on the board and invites each group member to field questions about her solution and make clarifications. After that, each group member individually ranks each solution on a notecard using a scale, say from 1 to 5. The moderator takes up the notecards, assigns scores to each solution on the list and picks the most popular solution.

Electronic Decisions

The electronic decision method works similarly to the nominal group technique, except that it uses special computer programs for anonymity so group members can address their concerns about a proposed solution without the effects of group think. The electronic method usually uses an online forum where group members sign in, write their proposed solutions and vote on them using an anonymous voting system. For instance, a group member could rank solutions to a problem in order from best to worst, then the computer assigns point values to each solution until all votes are tallied.


The Situation, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) technique is not an anonymous method for creating solutions in a group setting, but it does attempt to use a rationalized approach to selecting a solution based on what the group members know about their business. When using the SWOT technique, group members discuss and list the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats or challenges facing their business or facing the matter at hand. Then, the group narrows down solutions based on the SWOT analysis. For instance, the group may know that they can produce a product very quickly but not in high volumes. The business might also have first-mover advantage in a new market but faces the rivalry of a powerful competitor as soon as it moves into the market. Based on this information, a group would narrow down its solutions to a problem.

Value Analysis

The value analysis technique assigns a scale of points to each goal that a group wants to meet. The solution with the most points is selected to be best. For instance, if stronger profits merits a value equal to 5 points, cleaner emissions 4 points and employee satisfaction 3 points, the max points a solution could garner is 12 points. If a possible solution leads to stronger profits and nothing else, it receives only 5 points.

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