Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

Nominal groups are a creative tool used for brainstorming that is more restrictive than which of the following?

1. Focus groups

2. Employee surveys

3. The Delphi technique

4. Mind-maps

The correct answer is: The Delphi technique

Nominal groups are indeed a more restricted method of brainstorming compared to the Delphi technique. The Delphi technique involves multiple rounds of anonymous input and feedback from a group of experts, allowing for a broader range of ideas and the ability to reach a consensus over time. It encourages divergent thinking and extensive discussion, making it less restrictive than nominal group sessions, which prioritize individual contributions and structured voting to arrive at a decision. In comparison, nominal groups focus on generating ideas in a more controlled environment with a systematic approach, reducing the freedom of open discussion that characterizes the Delphi technique. Thus, while nominal groups allow for some creativity and input, they limit the scope of ideas compared to the more expansive and iterative nature of the Delphi method.