In real life, the optimum study methodology to be used to gather qualitative information remains a recurring question: should Focus Groups or IDIs be the priority, and what is the rationale?

Focus Groups should be the priority whenever seeking a consensus and identifying fracture points. This is a method that appeals to participants as it places emphasis on discussion and role play and enables them to pinpoint the key arguments. It guarantees real interaction between participants to stimulate the production of ideas and build up new concepts. On the other hand, IDIs should be focused on when striving to capture the following in-depth: individual experience, and each person’s feelings without outside influence or else re-enactment of a real-life situation.

In Healthcare Market Research, there is no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” methodology. However, it is crucial to choose methods that will generate the highest added value in light of your objectives and needs. Thirty years of expertise in Healthcare Market Research enable us to advise our clients efficiently!

Consensus building is an important aspect of decision-making, whether in personal or professional settings. It involves the process of reaching an agreement or common ground between different parties or stakeholders with varying opinions and interests. Consensus building requires effective communication, active listening, and compromise. However, achieving consensus is not always easy, as it often involves identifying and addressing fracture points, or areas of disagreement or tension. In this blog, we will explore the secret to seeking consensus and identifying fracture points in a variety of contexts.

What is Consensus Building?

Consensus building is a process of collaboration and negotiation that seeks to find a common ground between parties with diverse views and interests. It involves active listening, respect for divergent perspectives, and a willingness to compromise. Consensus building is an effective approach for resolving conflicts, building trust, and fostering productive relationships.

In order to achieve consensus, it is important to create a safe and inclusive environment that encourages all stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process. This includes establishing ground rules for communication and conflict resolution, as well as providing opportunities for stakeholders to share their views and concerns. Additionally, effective consensus building requires a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the decision-making process, as well as a willingness to prioritize these goals over individual interests.

The Secret to Seeking Consensus

Several strategies can help facilitate consensus building and overcome fracture points. These include:

  1. Active Listening: Active listening involves paying attention to the speaker, acknowledging their perspective, and seeking to understand their point of view. It is important to avoid interrupting or dismissing the speaker and to ask clarifying questions to ensure that their message is fully understood.
  2. Empathy: Empathy involves putting oneself in another’s shoes and seeing the issue from their perspective. This can help build trust and understanding between parties with different opinions and interests.
  3. Compromise: Compromise involves finding a solution that addresses the interests of all parties involved. It may require giving up some individual interests to achieve a shared goal.
  4. Consistency: Consistency involves maintaining a consistent approach to decision-making and communication throughout the process. This can help build trust and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the decision-making process.
  5. Communication: Communication involves establishing clear lines of communication between all stakeholders involved in the decision-making process. It may include regular meetings, updates, and opportunities for feedback and input.

Secret to Seeking Consensus

Identifying Fracture Points

Fracture points are areas of disagreement or tension that can hinder consensus building. They may be related to differences in values, interests, or perspectives. Identifying fracture points is an important step in the consensus-building process, as it can help to address underlying issues and find common ground. Some strategies for identifying fracture points include:

  1. Conducting a Needs Assessment: A needs assessment involves gathering information from stakeholders about their interests and concerns related to the decision-making process. This can help to identify areas of disagreement or tension that may need to be addressed.
  2. Conducting a SWOT Analysis: A SWOT analysis involves identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the decision-making process. This can help to identify potential fracture points and develop strategies for addressing them.
  3. Conducting a Stakeholder Analysis: A stakeholder analysis involves identifying all stakeholders involved in the decision-making process, as well as their interests and concerns. This can help to identify potential fracture points and develop strategies for addressing them.
  4. Encouraging Open Dialogue: Encouraging open dialogue and communication between stakeholders can help to identify potential fracture points and develop strategies for addressing them. This may involve establishing regular meetings or providing opportunities for feedback and input.
  5. Seeking Expert Input: Seeking expert input from individuals or organizations with experience in the decision-making process can help to identify potential fracture points and develop strategies for addressing them. Experts can provide valuable insights and perspectives on the decision-making process and may be able to identify potential issues that stakeholders may not have considered.

It is important to ensure that the experts consulted are unbiased and have no conflicts of interest that may influence their input. This may involve conducting background checks on potential experts and ensuring that they have no direct or indirect interests in the decision being made.

Once fracture points have been identified, it is important to develop strategies for addressing them. This may involve exploring alternative options, seeking compromise, or finding common ground.

Some strategies for identifying fracture points include:

  1. Brainstorming: Brainstorming involves generating a wide range of ideas and options for addressing the issue at hand. This can help to identify creative solutions that may not have been considered previously.
  2. Mediation: Mediation involves the use of a neutral third party to help facilitate communication and negotiation between stakeholders. This can help to overcome disagreements and find common ground.
  3. Facilitation: Facilitation involves the use of a neutral facilitator to guide the decision-making process and ensure that all stakeholders are heard and their interests are considered.
  4. Consensus Voting: Consensus voting involves reaching a decision that is acceptable to all stakeholders. This may involve seeking compromise or finding alternative solutions that address the interests of all parties involved.

Consensus building is an important process for decision-making, but it requires effective communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise. Identifying fracture points is an important step in the consensus-building process, as it can help to address underlying issues and find common ground. Strategies for identifying fracture points include conducting a needs assessment, conducting a SWOT analysis, conducting a stakeholder analysis, encouraging open dialogue, and seeking expert input.

Once fracture points have been identified, it is important to develop strategies for addressing them. This may involve brainstorming, mediation, facilitation, or consensus voting. By using these strategies, stakeholders can work together to achieve consensus and make effective decisions that address the interests of all parties involved.

Related Read:
Unlocking Success: How to Maximize Prescription Impact by Measuring Importance and Appeal of Your Product’s Attributes

 

FMR Global Health is the health research arm of FMR Global Research

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