Applying the Grounded Delphi Method to Identify Consensus: Finding Consensus within Sustainability Managers Regarding the Corporate Sustainable Transformation Process

Bell, Robin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7325-4277, Kirchberg, Liza and Warren, Vessela ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6016-1821 (2026) Applying the Grounded Delphi Method to Identify Consensus: Finding Consensus within Sustainability Managers Regarding the Corporate Sustainable Transformation Process. Sage Research Methods: Business and Management.

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Abstract

The Grounded Delphi Method is an effective research design for building expert consensus and developing new theoretical insights in situations where knowledge is emergent or fractured. The method is particularly useful when the research seeks to explore complex, ill-defined issues through the structured views, opinions, and perspectives of experts. Unlike traditional Delphi studies, which often focus on forecasting or prioritization, the Grounded Delphi Study integrates principles of Grounded Theory, specifically qualitative coding techniques such as open, axial, and selective coding into the Delphi process. This enables the generation of thematic categories from qualitative data in the first round, which are then refined and validated in subsequent rounds to achieve consensus. This case study details how the Grounded Delphi Method was utilized to build consensus as to sustainability managers’ understanding of the corporate sustainable transformation process and their responsibilities and barriers in this process. To achieve this, qualitative data was collected through online questionnaires during two rounds of data collection. Through the discussion of the application of the Grounded Delphi Method, this case details the method’s strengths, including its ability to build consensus by fostering deep understanding through iterative engagement; to maintain participant anonymity to reduce bias; and to encourage reflective feedback. However, the method also presents challenges, including combining the subjectivity of qualitative interpretation with the objectivity required to measure consensus. Researchers must also carefully manage sampling, design of data collection rounds, participant retention between rounds, and data analysis to maintain methodological rigor.

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