[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Delphi Method: A Democratic Dialectical, Consensus Seeking Open Systems Approach

## Details

**Authors** Sankaran S, Ang K, Hase S

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-15

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Business & Management

**Reading level** intermediate

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.0000014) 
10.54120/jost.0000014

## In authors' words

### Abstract

In this chapter the Delphi method, a dialectical and consensus seeking approach, is applied to management research in ambiguous and uncertain situations. The Delphi method is essentially a process in which responses from many rounds of questions are sent to a group of leaders or experts. This happens for several iterations, and the responses are anonymous and also aggregated prior to sharing in each round. Notably, the leaders/ experts alter their response to the same questions after each round - largely due to the responses they have seen from the larger group. In sum, this process is believed to eventually create consensus as to the correct response for each question.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A chapter applying the Delphi method — anonymous, aggregated rounds of expert response — to management research in ambiguous and uncertain situations.

### What they found (results)

Experts revise their answers between rounds in light of the group's aggregated responses, and the iteration converges toward consensus.

## Commentary

### In short

Describes the Delphi method, in which experts answer rounds of anonymous questions until their answers converge, and its use in management research.

### Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors.

**Patterns it shows** R

## Refers to

- [Handbook of Systems Thinking](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/382)

**How to cite this** Sankaran S, Ang K, Hase S (2023). Delphi Method: A Democratic Dialectical, Consensus Seeking Open Systems Approach. Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-15.