ABSTRACT
Delphi is contemplated among expert-based futures methods and Group Decision Support Systems. This method originated in the 1950s for technological forecasting and, over time, it has found fortune in healthcare and medical applications, including nursing. It entails an iterative process for negotiation through a ‘structured communication process’, which aims at reaching stability in opinions and may ultimately facilitate the convergence of different viewpoints. Especially in times of deep uncertainty and change like the present ones, such a method proves handy to face workplace-related problems in research and practice. Indeed, workplace matters are becoming increasingly complex, involving a wider range of stakeholders, developing into cross-disciplinary areas of inquiry, and requiring the ability to project future scenarios. A Delphi technique can be applied for gathering current and historical data; exploring planning options; putting together the structure of a model; delineating the pros and cons of policies; uncovering causal relationships; exposing priorities of personal values; and so on. This chapter shows how Delphi can be favourably applied to reach a consensus among different workplace users on shared Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
