Notice that this matrix carries none of the properties of a consensus type; that is, the group does not reach consensus on their first attempt at ranking the alternatives. However, the group can assess their “degree of consensus” and they can measure how “far” they are from consensus prior to subsequent discussions in the decision process. So, for example, alternative 1isdefinitely preferred toalternative2andalternative1israted equal toalternative3. For this matrix, C(R ∼ ) =0.683 (Equation (9.13)), m(R ∼ ) =0.395, and m(M∗ 1) =1−(2/n)1/2 =0.293(Equation (9.16)). For their first attempt at r anking the four alternatives, the group has a degree of consensus of 0.683 [recall a value of 0.5 is completely ambivalent (uncertain) and a value of 1.0 is completely certain]. Moreover, the group are 1−0.395=0.605 or 60.5% of the way from complete ambivalence (M1) toward a Type II consensus or they are 0.605/(1−0.293) =85.5% of the way toward a Type I consensus. These ideas are shown graphically in Figure 9.3. The value of the distance to consensus,m (R ∼ ), is its use in quantifying the dynamic evolution of a group as the group refines its preferences and moves