The founder and developer of the GDQ, Dr Susan Wheelan, formulated six ethical and practical principles for the use of the GDQ. They are intended to guide all GDQ practitioners in decisions on when and how to perform a GDQ measurement and how to give feedback, and to whom, based on the results.
Principle 1. GDQ practitioners must have considerable knowledge of group development theory and research.
Principle 2. The GDQ measures group functioning. It is not intended, nor does it provide, information about individuals.
Principle 3. The GDQ is intended to assist and support groups in working towards their goals.
Principle 4. The confidentiality of the contents of the GDQ must be preserved.
Principle 5. The GDQ is no longer a new instrument. Nevertheless, ongoing research into its significance with different kinds of groups in a variety of organisations is desired.
Principle 6. It is important to work with groups within the parameters of what is known and to be cautious about the ways in which one intervenes based on the GDQ results.