Group discussions

Introduction:

What is a group discussion?

A group discussion (GD) is a forum for discussing a topic with common a solution for a problem or discussing an issue.

(Or) Group Discussion is an effective way to look at an issue from various angles. When a topic is discussed on a group, all the participants cone out with their own ideas. It makes it easier to come to a conclusion as we get the overall view of a problem. Recently, of course, GD has emerged as a tool to measure one’s behavioural, emotional and psychological attributes.

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and/or skills that it desire in its members. In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, gives a few minutes to think about the same, and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 15-20 minutes.

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include:

1.  Ability to work in a team 
2.  Communication skills, reasoning ability 
3.  Leadership skills
4.  Initiative 
5.  Assertiveness 
6.  Flexibility 
7.  Creativity 
8.  Ability to think on ones feet 

The Group discussion tests how you function as a part of a team. As an employee, you will always be working in a teams, as a member or as a leader. Therefore how you interact in a tem becomes an important criterion for your selection. Employers have to work in a team and get best result out of a teamwork. That is reason why management institute include GD as a component of a selection procedure. The procedure of conducting a Group Discussion is to test the participant on areas like communication skills, team skills, situation handling, listening skills so on and so forth. Fundamentally a GD is conducted to separates leaders from no leaders from amongst the participants, an opinion which the panel consolidates through 15-20 minutes of interview.

Groups are given a specific situation to analyse and discuss within a given time limits.

• Group may be given a case study.
• Group may be given a topic and asked to discuss on the same.
• A panel will observe the proceedings and evaluate the members of the group.

 Why is GD a part of selection processes?

Though GD is about discussing an issue, it involves more than just analytical thinking of a person. In today’s world of cut-throat competition, being competent in doing your job is not enough. Organizations today look for more than functional competencies in their employees. With the rapid economic growth, it has become even more necessary for everyone to be capable of dealing with a situation independently and working as a team player at the same time. Written tests can only test the knowledge of a person. Interview can give an insight into his emotional and intellectual quotient. But a GD can assess one’s ability to meaningfully contribute towards the team’s goal and the way he can work under stress.

Structure of Group Discussion

A GD usually consists of 8 to 12 people. A topic is given to the participants with some time to prepare on it before the actual commencement of the discussion. After getting instruction from the evaluator, the participants begin the discussion. A group discussion usually follows three-phased.

1.  Brainstorming
2.  Evaluation 
3.  Summary

1. Brainstorming
Brainstorming starts with introduction and viewpoint of various on that on that topic.

2. Evaluation
Evaluation consists of real discussion where the participants discuss the topic with examples and questions.

3. Summary
In the end comes the summary, where somebody summarizes the discussion mentioning the key points raised.

Types of Group Discussion

a) Freewheeling or student-led
b) Moderator-led
c) Detail observatory style

a) Freewheeling or student-led

In a freewheeling or student-led GD, the participants are given a room where they have to manage everything from deciding the topic of discussion to arranging their seats. After the GD is doing with, the evaluator asks them questions regarding how they arranged themselves, how was the topic decided, why was it decided etc. This form of GD examines the overall capabilities of the candidates to work in an organization.

b) Moderator-led

Moderator led GDs are more common in practice. Here a moderator remains present during the discussion. He gives the topic of discussion, informs them about the time limits, and analytical thinking of the participants is given importance.

c) Detail observatory style

Some GDs also include hi-tech methods like close circuit cameras etc. to assess the overall behaviour of participants. These are of detailed observatory style. In this kind of GDs, participants are observed from another room using audio-visual aids. The examiner evaluates the candidates according to the behaviour in the absence of evaluator physically present before them.

GDs can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based GD

Topic based GDs can be classified into three types:-

•  Factual topic 
•  Controversial topics 
•  Abstract topics 

Factual Topics

Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary 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 candidates 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 on the nation.

Conventional Topics
Conventional 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 for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see 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 topic are about intangible things. These topic test your lateral thinking and creativity.

Case-based GD

Another variation is use of 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 situation from various angles.

Categorization of participants

As the player of a cricket team the participants of a GD can also be divided into various categories.

Such as:

1.  Initiator: One who initiates the discussion.
2.  Coordinator: One who make the silent members talk.
3.  Shaper: One who gives direction to the team.
4.  Fisher: One who keeps a time check and makes the team finish the task on time.
5.  Leader: One who leads the discussion and shows leadership skills like making all participants speak.
6.  Innovator: One who comes out with new ideas.
7.  Conflict manager: One who takes care of the smooth functioning of the discussion.
8.  Talking terror: One who keep on speaking at length without giving any chance to others.
9.  Silent member: One who hardly speaks but listens to others.

Tips for improve your performance in a GD

1. Dress properly.

Your appearance will surely put a great impact on your performance. Make sure you get into the GD room at the best of your look. Your appearance will not only boost your confidence but also make others look at you with a sense of respect. Be in formals and avoid too much of glossiness which may pull an advice impact on you.

2. Be confident

Everybody feel nervous while speaking before an audience watching you. The only way to minimize this nervousness is to practice. In fact, there is no reason to feel nervous when you know that you are right. No matter how well prepared you are, if you are not confident then your performance won’t be impressive.

3. Keep a pen and a paper.

Keeping a pen and paper with you will surely help. Before the beginning of the discussion, you can note down some important points.at addition, you can note down some points given by others and make use of them as referrals later.

4. Body language

More than your words, your gesture will show your gesture will show your confidence. Keeping a positive attitude will give you an upper hand over other participants.

5. Do not interrupt frequently.

It is necessary to speak throughout the discussion but let others finish their points. When you do not agree with someone’s point, you should look for the right opportunity to put forth your opinion.

6. Communication skills

It is good if you have a neutralized accent but it is not mandatory. Trying to impress others, do not venture upon using an accent you are not familiar with. Try to be as natural as possible.

¨ Some patterns of starting a discussion:

We have assembled here to discuss...

•  Let us get down to business.
•  Shall we set the ball rolling?
•  Shall we make a start?

¨ Some patterns for interrupting a discussions:

•  Sorry to interrupt you
•  Excuse me, but...
•  Could I make a suggestion, please?
•  Could I say something...?
•  I would make a point here.

¨ To agree:

•  I partially/fully agree with what you have said.
•  You are quite right.
•  That’s exactly what I was thinking.
• Yes, that’s exactly what I feel too.
•  I think nine will disagree with you.
•  Undoubtedly what you have just makes a lot of sense.

¨ To disagree:

•  Sorry to disagree with you.
•  I am afraid I can’t accept your view.
•  If think you are mistaken.
•  I do not think so.
•  I agree with you in a sense, but...
•  I understand what you mean, but...

¨ Some patterns of ending a discussion:

• I think that covers everything.
• It is time to wind up.
• Shall we close the discussion then

Certain Doc for a Group Discussion

• Make sure that all the points that you make are original and backed by substantial reasoning as to why you believe so.
• If somebody has already made the point you wanted to make, you can go ahead and either support or oppose the point provided you can give substantial reasoning as to why you think so.
• Whenever you have to say has to be wrapped around with a logical flow. State your point, substantiate it with a reason and validity it with an example whenever and whenever possible.
• Modulate the various aspects of your voice, viz. volume, and pitch and tone so as to suite the nature of the point that you are making. Make sure you don’t sound rude or arrogant.
• Your posture should be straight and upfront.
•  Make use of hands and facial expression to make your point more emphatic.
•  Whenever position you occupy in the discussion make sure that while speaking you make eye contact with each and every one in the group.
• When not speaking make sure that you are looking at the person who is speaking.
• Whenever you agree with the person who is speaking or not, ensure that you give him credit for he is speaking by use of non-verbal like nodding your head, etc.
• If possible, make an attempt at opening the discussion. But if you venture ahead with it make sure that you make good job of it. The opening has to be a general introduction to the topic briefly laying the scope of the discussion.
• If the discussion is revolving around a certain point for too long give a new direction by introducing a new angel to it.
• If the discussion is straying from it’s main idea, get it back on track by giving a new direction point.

Don’ts of a GD

• Do not get into arguments with people, remember you are there to make effective points, do not waste time on futile arguments that do not contribute to the topic under discussion.
• Making yourself heard is important but do not try to hog the limelight all the time, evaluate the worth of what you are saying, or you may simply make points that are irrelevant or were better left unsaid.
• Do not act patronizing with your fellow group members, it could backfire.
• Do not make use of gesture excessively as you may come across as aggressive, learn to toe the line between assertive and aggressive.
• Do not slouch but seat yourself comfortably, posture could indicate nervousness or discomfort with your position in the group.
• Most of all remember belief in your own ability to remain poised in any situation will allow you to sail through.
• Do not fidget or act restless.
• Do not state at the floor or out of window, you may come across as uninterested or inattentive.