Beyond consensus: an alternative use of Delphi enquiry in hospitality research

Purpose

To critically review the use of Delphi techniques in qualitative research\udfor utilising ‘expert’ opinions and to explore through a detailed example, how Policy\udDelphi can be used by hospitality researchers as an alternative to the more widely used\udNormative Delphi.

\udDesign/methodology/approach

This paper reflects on the research methodology of\uda project that explored organisational crisis signals detection using Policy Delphi with a\udcriterion sample comprising 16 senior hotel executives involved in crisis management.

\udFindings

The main methodological concerns regarding Delphi are the definition of\udconsensus, the expertise of the panel, its lack of scientific rigour, and -due to its lack of\uduniformity- reliability and validity of findings. Policy Delphi by default addresses the\udfirst since it does not seek consensus and can, through its design and execution, address\udthe remaining concerns.

\udResearch limitations/implications

Carefully designed Policy Delphi can offer a\udpowerful research tool for exploratory research in hospitality, particularly for\uddevelopment of policies and strategies within an organisation. Unlike Normative Delphi,\udit is not intended as a decision making tool, but rather as a tool to generate options and\udsuggest alternative courses of action for consideration.

\udOriginality/value

The paper presents a valuable research tool that has evaded the\udattention of many hospitality researchers offering an illustrative example of its use in\udexploratory research to deliver credible, transferable and confirmable findings.

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