USC Affinity Technique Discussion

What is the affinity technique? Explain in detail. Provide examples and rationale for using it.

Consider This: This can be performed with all group members in the same room or members at their own home and office.

By Steven Beebe and John Masterson
Presentations Prepared By:
Renee Brokaw
University of Tampa
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Part III
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Chapter 12
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 Creativity is
the generation,
application,
combination,
and extension
of new ideas
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 Idea generation
 Feasibility analysis
 Reality testing
 Implementation
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1. Idea generation phase
2. Development phase
3. Finalization and closure phase
4. Evaluation phase
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 Invention is
process of
developing new
ideas
 Creative
competence can
be learned
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 Mess finding: Isolating a concern or problem
 Data finding: Generating and selecting most
important data
 Problem finding: Generating and selecting
essential statements
 Idea finding: Generating and selecting best
available alternatives
 Solution finding: Using criteria to screen, select
and support idea
 Acceptance finding: Generating ways to
implement solutions
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 Mysterious process that
can’t be learned
 Few gifted people are
creative
 Creativity just happens
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 Premature evaluation of ideas
 Poor physical surroundings
 Too many people
 Poor timing
 Stinking thinking
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 Appropriately analyze and define problem
 Create a climate of freedom
 Listen to diverse points of view
 Encourage people to see things and
themselves differently
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 Analyze and define problem
 Create climate of individual freedom
 Listen to minority points of view
 Encourage “rolestorming”
 Selectively increase group structure
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 Brainstorming
 Nominal Group Technique
 Delphi Technique
 Electronic Brainstorming

Affinity Technique
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Select specific problem that needs
solving
2. Set a clear time limit
3. Put aside all judgments & evaluations
4. Think of all possible solutions
5. Piggyback ideas
6. Record all mentioned ideas
7. Evaluate ideas at later session
1.
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Understand problem
2. Individually write list of solutions
3. Note each member’s solutions on chart
4. Clarify each idea
5. Rank solutions
6. Discuss results of rankings
1.
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 Leader selects problem, issue, policy for
review
 Leader corresponds with members in
writing; sometimes in questionnaire
format
 Respondents complete questionnaire or list
 Leader summarizes responses
 General consensus emerges
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 Resembles NGT
 Generates more ideas
 Ideas based on merit, not who submitted
them
 Ideas usually higher quality and quantity
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 Use Post-It notes
 Sort through and organize ideas that
have affinity
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 Set aside a definite amount of time
 Do not make time limit too short
 Be certain members understand specific
problem to be solved
 Make sure rules are followed
 Try to draw less talkative members into
discussion
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 Consider reverse brainstorming; make
problem worse
 Use role storming (assume roles)
 Tell group what will happen with ideas and
suggestions
 Try random-word technique: trigger for
new creative ideas
 Use a bulletin board or white board
 Try brainsketching
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