Unit - 2
Group Discussion
Group" is a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction and who work together to achieve a common set of goals. "Discussion" is the process whereby two or more people exchange information or ideas in a face-to-face situation to achieve a goal. The goal, or end product, maybe increased knowledge, agreement leading to action, disagreement leading to competition or resolution or perhaps only a clearing of the air or a continuation of the status-quo.
An average GD usually features 10 to fifteen participants. The GD process begins by the announcement of the subject to the group, which is (usually) followed by a
Preparation time of three to five minutes. Quite 5 minutes’ prep time could also be given as long as the GD may be a case-study discussion, and features a long case statement.
At the top of the prep time, the panel signals the group to commence the discussion, and from then on plays the role of a non-participating observer. This suggests that the discussion isn't moderated or ‘anchored’ by a pane list. The group members must discuss the subject as they deem appropriate with none quite suggestion from the panel. The panel expects no particular order of speakers to be followed nor a minimum or maximum duration of chatting with be followed by individual participants.
The average duration of most GDs is quarter-hour (not including the prep time). In some exceptional cases (such as IIFT), the GD may continue for up to 45 minutes. One must remember that the longer the GD goes on, the more seriously the panel looks at the standard of the content (facts, analysis, explanation and argument) of the participant.
The panel usually consists 3 or 4 pane lists, who check out various aspects of the participants’ content and delivery. Please remember that the pane lists may end the GD whenever they need to, and also extend the GD for the maximum amount as they need to. Nobody among the participants is meant to stay time for the group or act on the idea that the GD will end after the 15th minute.
The GD ends in either of the 2 ways: first, the panel may abruptly stop the GD and announce the top of the process; second, they'll ask a participant (or quite one participant) to summarise the GD. If you're asked to summarise, do remember what summary means – your summary cannot have anything in it that wasn't discussed during the GD. I especially stress now because the participants who are mostly quiet during the GD are usually asked to summarise it, and that they tend to require this chance to air their views which aren't presented during the discussion. The summary must be an objective recapitulation of the details mentioned during the discussion, and therefore the conclusion of the discussion.
WHO HOLDS A GROUP DISCUSSION?
"Group Discussion", popularly labelled as GD, is a popular methodology used by an many organizations (company, institute, business school, etc.) these days to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits such as interpersonal communication skills, confidence in public speaking, team spirit, leadership abilities, social behaviour and problem-solving skills. GDs form an important part of the short-listing process for recruitment or admission in a company or institution.
HOW IS A GD CONDUCTED?
In this methodology, there are usually 7-12 participants in a group. The group of candidates is given a topic or a situation which could be either factual, abstract or case based, and typically given some time to think and make notes about the same. After this, the group of candidates is, and then asked to discuss it the topic among themselves for a specific duration ranging between 10-40 minutes (which may vary from one organization to another). While the group discusses the pertaining issue at hand, the Moderators/ Pane lists silently observe each candidate on various pre-determined parameters. The Pane lists assign scores to every candidate based on his/her individual performance as well as how he performed within the group.
As in a football game, where you play like a team, passing the ball to each team member and aim for a common goal, GD is also based on teamwork, incorporating views of different team members to reach a common goal. So, a group discussion refers to a communicative situation that allows its participants to share their views and opinions with other participants. It is a systematic exchange of information, views and opinions about a topic, problem, issue or situation among the members of a group who share some common objectives.
TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Most Group Discussions are often divided into 3 kinds:
A) Topical Group Discussions, which are supported current affairs or ‘static’ matters – for instance, a GD on the subject of the recent demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes would be the previous, whereas a GD on whether India should adopt a presidential model of democracy would be the latter, because it has no limitation of a time-frame.
B) Case-studies, which present the group with a posh business situation that needs a choice to be made. Such cases usually have multiple problems embedded within the given situation, and both the individual participants and therefore the group are required to analyse things, identify the issues, and suggest how out.
C) Abstract Group Discussions, which are called so because they provide us no definite framework of the subject, and hence no definite direction to require within the discussion. Instead, the participants are required to interpret the subject in their own ways and demonstrate innovative thinking in doing so. Such topics might be single-worded, like ‘Blue’, or a brief cryptic sentence, or maybe a picture.
Contrary to popular perception, nobody quite GD is necessarily easier or harder than the other, because the quality of response in any case depends largely on the preparation of the individual and therefore the way they typically think.
What’s the evaluation criteria during a Group Discussion?
The evaluation of participants happens in two broad perspectives: Individual qualities and group skills.
Individual qualities ask the competencies that you simply may demonstrate in or outside the context of a gaggle. They include the following:
A) Content: What you say during the discussion is looked into from two perspectives – relevance and comprehensiveness. It's possible that a participant has talked an excellent deal during a GD, but he or she may have deviated from the subject significantly, during which case the content is deemed largely irrelevant without the likelihood of further evaluation. If the content has been relevant to the subject, the panel examines whether your treatment of the subject is superficial or in-depth.
B) Analytical skills: The panel is in fact curious about your facts, but they also wish to see whether or not you'll explore the ‘why’ and therefore the ‘how’ of the topic matter. This is often put to the sternest test during a case-study topic.
C) Reasoning skills: The panel looks at how you support your standpoints, and the way you answer those of the others, how effectively you'll ‘strengthen or weaken’ an argument, how logical you're in your overall approach to the subject
D) Organisation skills: you'll have the facts, the supports, the reasons, but are you ready to present them within the right order so on maximise the impact of your good content? The panel wants to look at this.
E) Communication skills: you'll have exhibited all the talents stated above, but are you able to get your point across to someone during a simple (not simplistic) language they understand, with relevant illustrations they will identify with
F) Creativity: Are you ready to bring back the table a completely unique perspective on the topic? are you able to check out a drag differently from ten other participants and suggest a path-breaking solution? are you able to interpret an abstract topic in ways the others cannot? If yes, the panel looks at you as someone with one among the rarest of human qualities.
On the opposite hand, the group skills ask those skills which may only be evaluated within the context of a gaggle. They include the following:
A) Listening skill: The panel constantly observes whether or not every participant is taking note of the discussion. In my experience, most participants are concerned only with speaking, and feel that they're through with the work as soon as they need spoken, which is contrary to the spirit of a discussion. There are some ways a panel may infer that a participant may be a poor listener, like a scarcity of eye contact with the group, or a poor summary at the top. It's one among the rarest skills, and a requirement for a would-be manager.
B) Leadership quality: In highly-charged discussions, one or two participants usually play the role of the anchor, therein they define the subject appropriately, offer the initial analysis of the keywords of the subject, and also attempt to hold the group together in pursuit of a standard goal. Such individuals could demonstrate effective leadership, and score some extra points. However, one cannot score anything extra just because one spoke first within the group, or was the loudest.
C) Body language: While assessing the visual communication, the panel primarily looks at eye contact and hand movements. The speaker must maintain a uniform eye contact with the whole group as he or she speaks, and therefore the listeners must reciprocate. If the either doesn’t happen, you permit the panel to infer whatever they want to – from a scarcity of confidence to a scarcity of interest within the GD to the shortage of concern for others. All very detrimental to the ultimate score. Hand movements are to your speech what punctuation is to your writing. If used wisely they beautifully enhance the effect of your words; if used unwisely they attract unnecessary attention and distract the listener from your words.
I like to recommend that you simply ‘free’ your hands. Don't engage them with something pointless like twiddling with the pen, or tapping on the desk, or running through your hair (common among female participants). The body has an intelligence of its own. Just leave your hands alone and specialise in the subject. The hands will start moving naturally. Please remember that visual communication can't be faked. a talented observer will quickly see through such deception. Just specialise in the task at hand and therefore the body will obediently follow. The panel can also concentrate to your voice modulation. An uneventful pitch may reduce the impact of even the foremost powerful words unless you're a Tommy Lee Jones! Vary the pitch of your voice so as to make emphasis wherever needed.
D) Group behaviour: This is often usually assessed during a broad distinction – assertive or aggressive. Avoid the latter regardless of what. Assertiveness may be a rational display of conviction of one’s thoughts, while aggressiveness may be a display of domination through subtle intimidation. Assertiveness allows room for flexibility – which may be a desired trait – while aggressiveness results in irrational rigidity of viewpoint. Please remember that B-schools are trying to find sensitive individuals, not skinhead bouncers.
Now that you simply skills you'll be evaluated, specialise in specific areas of improvement during your practice GD. Identify with the assistance of your trainer the strengths and weaknesses. Set clear goals for yourselves, and don't lose the sight of them during your practice.
Here are Some Tips for a Successful Group Discussion
- The first and the foremost tip for an individual to perform well in a GD is to learn the art of participation. Don’t expect others to force you to speak. Take the initiative, participate in the discussion and share your ideas with others. Never shout in a group discussion and always wait for your turn to speak. Remember it’s a discussion, not a fighting ground. Be polite but firm.
- Try to take the initiative. Don’t wait for the others to start the discussion. Always volunteer yourself and start the discussions in an extremely confident manner. Introduce yourself and your team members and then start with the topic but one thing to remember here is that one must initiate the Group Discussion only when he or she is well versed with the topic. Don’t take the risk if you yourself are not very clear about your thoughts.
- A leader is the one who actually gives the group discussion a direction and guides other team members when they seem to be lost or confused. Like a true leader, an individual must try his level best to refrain from personal favours. Don’t only ask your acquaintance to speak, give equal opportunity to other participants as well. As the leader of the group, he must ensure that the discussion does not end up in fighting and reaches a conclusion.
- One must speak only if he is well prepared with the topic. Don’t just speak for the sake of points or marks; speak only when you are absolutely sure about what you are speaking. Never depend on guess works in group discussions as it sometimes can seriously go against you. Avoid using slangs or crack jokes in between the discussions as it is considered highly unprofessional.
- Never be rigid in group discussions. Always keep in mind that the other person is also as learned as you. Always listen to what he is saying and then only respond. Be a good and a patient listener. Don’t just simply draw conclusions as there is always a room for discussions. Debate logically and sensibly and try to take everyone along with you.
- Read a lot and always keep your eyes and ears open. Always begin your day with the newspaper and know what is happening around you. An individual must be aware of the current events to succeed well in a group discussion.
- Be alert always. A participant usually gets around 15 minutes to think about the topic. You need to think fast and cover as much as you can. Always take care of your words. The content has to be sensible, crisp and well supported with examples or reallife situations. Don’t adopt a laidback attitude or yawn in between group discussions.
- Take care of your dressing as well. Don’t wear flashy clothes while going for a group discussion or interview. Female candidates should also avoid cakey makeup or flaunt heavy jewellery. The clattering sounds of bangles sometimes act as a disturbing element in formal discussions. Be in professional attire and avoid loud colours.
- An individual must keep in his mind that group discussion is meant for bringing out the managerial skills of an individual. The organizer of the group discussion will never appreciate you or give you the credit if you shout or fight in group discussions. Be calm, composed, confident and neutral to create an impression in the discussion and win over others.
INDIVIDUAL TRAITS:
The definition of a personality trait is a quality or characteristic that distinguishes the character, action and attitude of a person, animal or geographical location. ... An example of a personality trait is being outgoing or extroverted. Openness and conscientiousness are examples of personality traits.
Here are some of the most important personality traits that a candidate should possess to do well at a GD:
1. Team Player
B-Schools lay great emphasis on this parameter because it is essential for managers to be team players.
The reason: Managers always work in teams.
At the beginning of his career, a manager works as a team member. And, later, as a team leader.
Management aspirants who lack team skills cannot be good managers.
2. Reasoning Ability
Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressing your opinions or ideas at a GD.
For example, an opinion like 'Reduction in IIMs' fees will affect quality' can be better stated by demonstrating your reasoning ability and completing the missing links between fees and quality as:
'Reduction in IIMs' fees will result in less funds being invested on study material, student exchange programmes, research, student development activities, etc.
'Moreover, it costs money to attract good faculty, create good infrastructure and upgrade technology.
'With reduction in fees, less money will be available to perform these activities which will lead to deterioration in the quality of IIMs.'
3. Leadership
There are three types of situations that can arise in a GD:
~ A GD where participants are unable to establish a proper rapport and do not speak much.
~ A GD where participants get emotionally charged and the GD gets chaotic.
~ A GD where participants discuss the topic assertively by touching on all its nuances and try to reach the objective.
Here, a leader would be someone who facilitates the third situation at a GD.
A leader would have the following qualities:
~S/he shows direction to the group whenever group moves away from the topic.
~S/he coordinates the effort of the different team members in the GD.
~S/he contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights.
~S/he also inspires and motivates team members to express their views.
Caution: Being a mere coordinator in a GD does not help, because it is a secondary role.
Contribute to the GD with your ideas and opinions, but also try and steer the conversation towards a goal.
4. Flexibility
You must be open to other ideas as well as to the evaluation of your ideas: That is what flexibility is all about.
But first, remember: Never ever start your GD with a stand or a conclusion.
Say the topic of a GD is, 'Should India go to war with Pakistan?'
Some participants tend to get emotionally attached to the topic and take a stand either in favour or against the topic, that is, 'Yes, India should', or, 'No, India should not'.
By taking a stand, you have already given your decision without discussing the topic at hand or listening to the views of your team members.
Also, if you encounter an opposition with a very strong point at the 11th hour, you end up in a typical catch-22 situation:
~If you change your stand, you are seen as a fickle-minded or a whimsical person.
~If you do not change your stand, you are seen as an inflexible, stubborn and obstinate person.
5. Assertiveness
You must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic, positive and confident manner.
Participants often confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness.
Aggressiveness is all about forcing your point on the other person, and can be a threat to the group. An aggressive person can also demonstrate negative body language, whereas an assertive person displays positive body language.
6. Initiative
A general trend amongst students is to start a GD and get the initial kitty of points earmarked for the initiator.
But that is a high risk-high return strategy.
Initiate a GD only if you are well versed with the topic. If you start and fail to contribute at regular intervals, it gives the impression that you started the GD just for the sake of the initial points.
Also, if you fumble, stammer or misquote facts, it may work against you.
Remember: You never ever get a second chance to create a first impression.
7. Creativity/ Out of the box thinking
An idea or a perspective which opens new horizons for discussion on the GD topic is always highly appreciated.
When you put across a new idea convincingly, such that it is discussed at length by the group, it can only be positive.
You will find yourself in the good books of the examiner.
8. Inspiring ability
A good group discussion should incorporate views of all the team members.
If some team members want to express their ideas but are not getting the opportunity to do so, giving them an opportunity to express their ideas or opinions will be seen as a positive trait.
Caution: If a participant is not willing to speak, you need not necessarily go out of the way to ask him to express his views. This may insult him and hamper the flow of the GD.
9. Listening
Always try and strike a proper balance between expressing your ideas and imbibing ideas.
10. Awareness
You must be well versed with both the micro and macro environment.
Your awareness about your environment helps a lot in your GD content, which carries maximum weightage.
Group Discussion Meaning
A group discussion is a communicative situation that consists of more than two participants who share their views and opinions with other participants. It is an organized way of exchanging information, views and opinions about a problem, issue or topic among the members of a group who share some common objectives.
A group discussion is less formal when compared to meetings as it may have no structured order or specific agenda depending upon the requirement. The leadership is also less directive in group discussions as compared to meetings.
Group discussions emphasize process over product. Meaning, the emphasis in a group discussion is on how the participants interact with each other rather than the ultimate outcome of the discussion.
Guidelines for Group Discussions
Below are the areas which are to be kept in mind for developing group discussion skills:
A) Contents: What you say during a conversation is viewed from twoperspectives - complementary and holistic. The participant may have said a lot to GD, but he or she may have deviated from the topic too much, where the content was considered inappropriate without further scrutiny. If the content is relevant to the topic, the panel assesses whether your content management is excessive or in depth, a distinction that we will discuss in more detail in the next few posts.
B) Analytical skills: The panel is confident about your facts, but also likes to see if you can explore anything 'why' and 'how' about a subject matter. This is put to the strongest test in the case study article.
C) Consultation Skills: The panel looks at how you support your position, and how you respond to others, how you can 'strengthen or weaken' the debate, how reasonable you are in your handling of the topic.
D) Organizational Skills: You can have facts, supports, explanations, but are you able to present them in the right order to maximize the impact of your good content? The panel wants to explore this.
E) Communication Skills: You may be able to demonstrate all of the above-mentioned skills, but can you get your point across in a language that is simple (not simple) that they understand, with relevant images that they can understand?
F) Authorship: Are you able to bring to the table an idea of a passage on a topic? Can you look at the problem differently from the other ten participants and suggest a solution? Can you translate a mysterious article in ways that others can? If yes, the panel considers you to be one of the rare personality symptoms.
Principles of Group Discussion
Given below are the principles of a group discussion:
- All members of the group should get a chance to speak about the given topic freely. They must be allowed to express their thoughts, opinions and feelings without restraint and also should be allowed to peruse and finish their thoughts completely without interruptions.
- All members of the group should be able to hear each other’s ideas and thoughts without any hindrance.
- Group members should be allowed to test unformed ideas and explore new territories.
- All members should be able to receive and provide constructive feedback. Feedback could be positive, negative or merely a correction of factual errors but must always be done respectfully.
- Since the discussion is one a singular topic, there are bound to be arguments and disagreements. Therefore, it must be always kept in mind that the group discussion serves a common purpose that is to inform and educate.
- A large number of thoughts and ideas should be discussed with different perceptions on them from all members instead of sticking to only facts.
- No group discussion should be dominated by a single person, all members should be given an equal chance to speak.
- Group discussions must be thought provoking and inspiring. Members must always feel like they are learning while involved in a group discussion.
Importance of Group Discussions
Below are the reasons why group discussions are considered important:
Better understanding of the subject: GD offers a great opportunity to the discussants to take a deep dive into the subject, and understand it profoundly. It expands the horizon of knowledge and learning. In addition, it extends a chance to the participants to improve their abilities to think critically and develop their analytical skills.
Solve problems: Since GD brings together a group of people holding diverse opinions, it also perceived as one of the after ways to arrive at solutions to problems. Because of the fact that people bring in a wide range of insights, GDs help in changing the thought process from a narrow to a wider view, thereby paving the way to solutions.
Improve listening skills and confidence: Since GDs necessitate the contribution of ideas and thoughts, the participants are required to be listen keenly to others’ observations. In this sense, group discussions are a fantastic way to enhance listening skills, and also boost the confidence of speakers by engaging them and encouraging them to express their thoughts.
Enhance communication and interpersonal skills: While one aspect of GDs is that it encourages people to share their knowledge, the other important aspect is that it gives an opportunity to people to build their communication skills. The participants, in the process, learn how to express their ideas while also respecting viewpoints of others. This in turn contributes to the development of interpersonal skills among the peer group.
Team building exercise: GDs help in developing teamwork and leadership attributed in people, which are extremely important in the current context. Working in a group helps them increase tolerance and respect towards others, and also how to unanimously arrive at conclusions.
References:
- Oxford Guide to writing and speaking, John Seely, O.U.P
- A Communicative Grammar of English, Leech, G.N. And Jan Svartvik
- Better English Pronunciation, J.O O’ Corner, Cambridge.
- Effective Technical Communication, M.Asraf Rizvi, Tata McGraw Hill
- Technical Communication Today, Bovea et al. Pearson.
