group discussion
TRANSCRIPT
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