GROUP DISCUSSION“Those who can’t discuss, argueThose who can’t argue, quarrel

Those who can’t quarrel, fight…”

What is G.D.?

“It is the process of incorporating views of team members to reach a common goal”

2 Categories of G.D.

1. Organizational G.D. 2. G.D. as a part of the

selection/elimination process.

“The Indian Defence forces were the first to tap the potential of G.Ds for recruitment.”

G.D. contd..

G.D. and Debate

Why G.D?

G.D. for entry in Business Schools

3 Formats: 1. Structured GDs:

Time limit and topic defined No consensus expected in the

end General topics

G.D. for entry in Business Schools

3 Formats: 2. Unstructured GDs:

Selecting a leader is mandatory. Group has to reach a consensus. Leader has to direct gp and control

the dynamics.

G.D. for entry in Business Schools

3 Formats: 3. Specialized GDs:

Role Plays or scripted GDs. for ex:- A business situation where two

companies are negotiating a deal.

G.D. for entry in Business Schools

4 Types:

Factual Controversial Abstract Case-based

Content v/s Process in GD

Content:

Level of preparation Logical organization of thoughts Understanding of the topic

Content v/s Process in GD

Process:

Manner of expression Communication skills Body Language

Roles People Play in GDs Mr. Brains: lot of substance (but

preoccupied with topic discussion rather than gd)

Shopkeeper: the salesman (feeds on the ideas of Mr. Brain)

Watchman: maintaining order, ensuring consensus, meeting time commitments

Roles People Play in GDs Critic: criticizes everyone’s points

without contributing anything new

Butcher: dissects points, doesn’t let people get away with random statements

Wallflower: completely silent

Passenger: tails on others’ points

Success Factors in a GD Quality of content Innovativeness Logical Thinking Behavioural Skills Communication Leadership

Common Questions on GD

1. Normal duration? 15 to 20 mins2. No. of participants? 8 to 103. Time for preparation? 5 mins4. Address? Only members

Common Questions on GD

5. Seating arrangements? Circular or semicircular

6. Any favourable seating position? If semi-circle, close to the centre

7. Are papers allowed? Depends on organizers

Common Questions on GD

8. Selecting a leader? Not supposed to.

9. Encourage others? Encourage who try to speak but don’t get a

chance.

10. Should you keep track of the time? Yes. But do not look at the watch frequently.

11. Change of stand allowed? Yes.

Common Questions on GD

12. If topic is not clear? Do not ask panel members.

13. Start the discussion? High risk, high return.

14. How long to speak? Half a minute to one minute.

15. How many times? 4-5 times in a span of 30 mins.

Common Questions on GD

16. Can I be humorous? If you are good at it

17. Can I make an interim summary? Yes

Do’s and Don’ts

Be natural Make an opening only if you

have a proper perspective Be accurate in the statistics

you quote Use desirable body language Be assertive without being

aggressive Be clear in communication

Do’s and Don’ts Avoid slang Do not point fingers at

anybody Don’t lose your cool Don’t start speaking until

you have clearly understood the topic.

No personal experiences to be used

Avoid interrupting often