The value of group model building: a stakeholder perspective

Abstract

Stakeholder group model-building (GMB) is often used as an approach to form a model in system dynamics (SD) and increasingly also to support strategic decisions in organisations. In this study, grounded theory approach is used to study how eight participants in GMB experienced the process and to increase understanding of the value of the method. A number of strategies were coded and analysed and a theoretical model was developed describing: 1) the causal conditions that underlay the development of value adding strategies; 2) phenomena that arose from these causal conditions; 3) the context that influenced strategy development; 4) intervening conditions that influenced strategy development; 5) value adding strategies; 6) the consequences of these strategies. Subcategories of each component were identified and are illustrated and implications for GMB projects are addressed. A discussion section is presented based on the results and the author's experience of stakeholder GMB workshops.