Group Discussion

Group discussion test was first introduced in the westren countries for selection of personnel for their armed forces. And that is widey used in services selection boards in india. This techniques of selection the candidates have been used in the public sector and private undertakings as well.

Aim of GD:

The aim of a group discussion is to encourage members of a group to express their ideas on a given subject at short notice with a view to finding the solution of a problem

Types of GD

GDs can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types :-

1. Factual Topics

2. Controversial Topics 

3. Abstract Topics 

Factual Topics:-

Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of and sensitive to his environment.

E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the nation.

Controversial Topics:- 

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate controversy. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional.

E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers

Abstract Topics:- 

Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.

E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The number 10

Case-based Gd:-

Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.

The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you and you would be asked as a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect answers or perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation from various angles.

IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-based discussion rather than topic-based discussion in their selection procedures.

Important facts to remember:

• Members shed their shyness and learn to speak in group
• Explore new aspects of the given subject 
• Stimulates your thinking
• Clarification of thoughts and elimination of irrevelent ideas
• self confidence, 
• Presence of mind
• Quality of asserting oneself
• Ability to discuss a subject without losing temper
• Ability to tackle arguments
• Personality of each member is revealed
• Show qualities of leadership
• Capability to co-ordinate and lead
• At last but not the least, try to work in team (group)

What constitutes a GD

1. Personality Demonstration

As the saying goes, "first impression is the last impression". So it is imperative to create good impression as it is the first time candidate intracts with supervisor.

So your movements, gestures should be positive. Dress up, body language, voice and manners play an equal role..

2. General Awareness (Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject)

3. Skillful Commuications

4. Leadership qualities

5. Exchange of thoughts

6. Thorough preparations

General method of conduct:

After giving subject to discuss, group members are given few minutes to gather their ideas or write down in paper.

a) If the levle of intelligence of the group is comparatively low and the aim is teaching and learning, the discussion is held

under the guidence of GD oserver who selects a suitable subject by coordinating with other members of group.

b) if the subject offered is simple nd the members are familiar with it, GD observer puts out questions on the subject to the memebers

or allows members to present their ideas turnwise.

c) if the level of intelligence is high and aim is to test the knowledge of group, then little difficult subject is given and group members are asked to express their views.

GD Preparation

While selection tools and techniques like tests, interviews etc. provide good data about an individual, they fall short in providing real life data of how an individual would be performing in a real life situation especially a group situation. Team work being an integral part of the BPO work profile, it is important to ascertain group and inter-personal qualities of an individual. Group discussion is a useful tool to ascertain these qualities and many organizations use GDs as a selection tool along with Personal Interviews, aptitude tests etc. A GD is an activity where

Groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to analyse and discuss within a given time limit, which may vary between twenty minutes and forty-five minutes, or

They may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem

They may be given a topic and are asked to discuss the same

1. Preparing for a Group Discussion: While GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual, appearing for it unprepared may not augur well for you. These tips would help you prepare for GDs:

Reading: This is the first and the most crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and the more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may read anything to everything, you must ensure that you are in good touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion and also with the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are the topics would be around these. Read both for the thoughts as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then create your point of view with rationale. Also create answers for counter arguments for your point of view. The electronic media also will be of good use here.

Mocks: Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the best way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts and how well can you convince. Remember, it is important that you are able to express your thoughts well. The better you perform in these mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final day. Also try to interact and participate in other GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as well.

2. During the Group Discussion:

What do the panelists assess:Some of the qualities assessed in a GD are:

Leadership Skills - Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve the group's objectives.

Communication Skills - Candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.

Interpersonal Skills - People skills are an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered.

Persuasive Skills - The ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives.

GD is a test of your ability to think, your analytical capabilities and your ability to make your point in a team-based environment.

These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills mentioned above:

• Clarity of thought
• Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study discussion)
• Conflict handling
• Listening and probing skills
• Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view
• Ability to create a consensus
• Openess and flexibility towards new ideas
• Data based approach to decision making

While, it is not possible to reflect all these qualities in a short time, you would do well if you are able to show a couple or more qualities and avoid giving negative evidence on others.

GD Do's and dont's

Do's

Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.

Respect the contribution of every speaker.

Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.

Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?

Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.

Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

Don't

Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.

Dont show your emotion outburst

Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.

Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.

Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.

Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.

Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.