Using the Delphi Technique to Achieve Consensus: A Tool for Guiding Extension Programs

The ability to achieve a group consensus may be critical during specific activities throughout an Extension professional’s career. For example, it may be important to identify an advisory committee’s highest priorities or a group of stakeholders’ most important programmatic needs. The Delphi method has been recognized as a suitable alternative to interviews and formal meetings in certain circumstances. This fact sheet provides an overview of the Delphi method and suggestions for using this technique to support Extension programming.