Group Model Building
Group Model Building (GMB) is a participatory research methodology that convenes stakeholders in structured group settings to develop shared understandings of complex social problems. The approach emerged from system dynamics research in the 1980s and has since been adapted across multiple fields including public health, environmental management, and social policy. GMB operates on the principle that collaborative dialogue among individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise can generate more comprehensive and nuanced problem representations than expert analysis alone.
Core Process and Applications
In practice, GMB sessions typically involve facilitated group work where participants map causal relationships, identify feedback loops, and articulate assumptions about how systems function. Participants might include service providers, policymakers, affected community members, and researchers. The methodology has been particularly applied in contexts addressing children and family violence, where clearing houses and research institutions have used GMB to synthesize knowledge from multiple stakeholder groups and coordinate responses to complex social challenges.
Methodological Foundations
The approach draws on system dynamics modeling, which emphasizes interconnections and feedback mechanisms within social systems. By making these dynamics visible through group dialogue and visual mapping, GMB aims to bridge gaps between different stakeholder perspectives and create actionable shared models. The methodology values tacit knowledge alongside technical expertise, recognizing that frontline practitioners and affected communities hold critical insights often absent from traditional research frameworks.