Contents

Production blocking

Production blocking is a form of distraction. It differs from both evaluation apprehension and social loafing, two other factors that can cause people to produce fewer ideas in real, interactive groups than those in nominal groups. With evaluation apprehension, individuals may be reluctant to share their suggestions, fearing that they may be negatively criticized.^[4] With social loafing, they may not share ideas because they believe other group members will do so instead.^[5]

• Writing down thoughts: Taking notes is recommended when group members in brainstorming groups are waiting for their chance to speak. When communication is not available, writing down one's thoughts could be helpful to prevent productivity loss. Although the note taking method may reduce the production blocking problem, research has shown that it does not increase the quantity of ideas produced.^[2]
• Nominal Groups: Reviews of research on brainstorming groups and nominal groups suggest that nominal groups surpass brainstorming groups.^[4][6] Unlike traditional brainstorming groups, nominal groups consist of a body of individuals whose ideas can be shared without any interaction with others. Because, individuals in nominal groups do not have to wait to share their thoughts, their ideas will not be forgotten or lost.
• Brainstorming online: Instead of physically interacting with other members of a brainstorming group, electronic brainstorming consists of communication via a computer. Like nominal groups, members of electronic brainstorming groups do not have to worry about waiting their turn to speak. Furthermore, the ideas that group members come up with can easily be stored and saved for later. Ideas may also be shared anonymously, allowing group members to share their thoughts without the potential for embarrassment.^[7]
• Increased Competition: When rewards are introduced for ideas, whether for larger individual contributions or credit for one's own ideas, overall group production increases.^[8] Group members are more self-focused and likely to share their thoughts regardless of what others may have already said.