The Delphi Process

In general the Delphi process consists of obtaining individual answers to pre-formulated questions anonymously from the experts, typically by questionnaire, aggregating the answers and feeding them back to the participants. The experts can then modify their response in the light of the findings, and this continues as an iterative process until the group arrives at an agreed response, though not necessarily a single view.

This systematic and controlled interactive form of a Delphi exercise is in marked contrast to the informal and 'loose' interaction of traditional round the table face-to-face discussions.

Important aspects of a Delphi process are:

• Anonymity of respondents
• Iteration and controlled feedback
• Statistical group response
• Influence of dominant individuals
• Consensus orientation

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