Methods to decrease the production blocking problem
* 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 ones thoughts would be helpful to prevent productivity loss. Although the note taking method reduces the production blocking problem, a study has shown that it does not increase the quantity of ideas produced. * Nominal Groups: Reviews of research on brainstorming groups and nominal groups suggest that nominal groups surpass brainstorming groups. Unlike traditional brainstorming groups, nominal groups consist of a body of individuals whose ideas can be shared without any interaction with others. Individuals in nominal groups do not have to wait to share their thoughts, thus, their ideas will not be forgotten or lost. Another factor to consider is that in brainstorming groups, individuals may end up having conversations about a different subject with other members. This can be a significant factor that can lead to the production blocking problem because group members are not contributing to the quality of the groups product. Additionally, using nominal groups would generate a larger number of ideas in a restricted time frame compared to traditional brainstorming groups. * Brain storming online: Instead of physically interacting with other members of a brainstorming group, electric brainstorming consists of communication via a computer. Like nominal groups, members of electric brainstorming groups do not have to worry about waiting their turn to speak. Ideas are also shared anonymously, therefore, group members do not have to feel resistant to share their unique thoughts with others. Furthermore, the ideas that group members come up with would not be lost considering that they will be recorded. * Increased Competition: When rewards are introduced for ideas, whether for larger individual contribution or credit for one's own ideas, overall group production increases.{{cite journal, last1=Goncalo, Jack A., & Kim, Sharon H., title=Distributive Justice Beliefs and Group Idea Generation: Does a Belief in Equity Facilitate Productivity?, journal=Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, date=2010, volume=46, issue=5, pages=836–840, doi=10.1016/j.jesp.2010.03.007, citeseerx=10.1.1.476.4948 Group members are more self-focused and likely to share their thoughts regardless of what others may have already said.References