Group Discussion (GD)

 

 (GD)

Definision:

Group discussion is the first criteria for screening the candidates for face-to-face interviews.

Group Discussion is a modern method of assessing students’ personality.

Group discussions are used for decision-making and problem solving.

 

The term suggests a discussion among a group of persons.

The group will have 6-8 members who will express their views freely, frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issue.

 Within a time, limit of 10 to 15 minutes, the abilities of the members of the group is measured.

Discussion ?????????????

First thing Group Discussion is used for mass elimination!

And second thing group discussion selection criteria’s are based on actual company requirements.

Effective group discussion?

An effective group discussion is one in which the group is able to accomplish its purpose or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members.

Elements of an effective group discussion:

All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly.

All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts.

Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed.

Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback.

A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed.

 The discussion is not dominated by any one person.

Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities.

Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find a precept or set of precepts all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on.

Categories of Group Discussion

·       Organizational group discussions

·       Group discussions as a part of a selection process.

Structure

·       The group sits in circle or U-shape

·       They may either be given their choice of seat or seat allotted.

·       This panel observes and evaluates

1.   
   

Evaluation Components

During a GD employers evaluate potential for leadership and ability to work in a team.

The four components generally evaluated in a group discussion are:

ü  Knowledge

ü  Communication skills

ü  Group behavior

ü  Leadership potential 

Possible uses for a group discussion:

Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative.

Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations.

Discuss and/or analyze an issue.

Create a strategic plan – for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention.

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

Topics given by panelists

Planning and preparation

Knowledge with self-confidence

Communication skills/ power of speech

Presentation

Body Language and personal appearance

Being calm and cool

Extensive knowledge base related to state, country and globe.

Areas are politics, sports, science & trade commerce, Industry and Technology.

Analyze the social, economic issues logistically.

Listening skills

Co-operation.

Why should you lead a group discussion?

A group discussion gives everyone involved a voice.

A group discussion allows for a variety of ideas to be expressed and discussed.

Group discussion is generally a democratic, egalitarian process.

A group discussion leads to group ownership of whatever conclusions, plans, or action the group decides upon. 

Communication Skills

ü  Candidate assessed in terms of:

ü  Active listening

ü  Clarity of thought and expression

ü  Apt language

ü  body language

ü  Lucidity

Tone: Quality or character of the voice expression a particular feeling or mood

Voice: Power of speech

Articulation: Act of speaking or expressing an idea in words

Fluency: Speaking or writing in an easy, flowing style

Modulation: Variations in rate, tone, or volume of voice

Good delivery: The ideas expressed fluently in the right voice, right tone, and right articulation.

Apt Language

Fluency and accuracy in use of language free from grammatical errors.

Directly, clearly and precisely put ideas in a organized fashion.

Simplicity and unambiguity

Using too much of jargon or high-sounding words or ambiguous expressions may project as a show-off and may not endear to group members.

Body Language

Looking attentively at the speaker and nodding

While speaking, ensuring no one is ignored. Looking at everybody.

Avoiding overt gestures

Avoiding pointing out fingers

Avoiding monotonous posture by shifting slightly in the chair or placing arm on the back of your chair

Not showing interest or dislike in the topic.

Even if one does not like the topic he should try to develop interest and reveal interest and enthusiasm through appropriate facial expression.

Group Behaviour (Team Spirit)

Group behavior is reflected in ability to interact with other members of the group on  brief acquaintance.

Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. One is expected to be more people centric and less ego centric.

Remaining objective, empathetic, and non-threatening, and behaving maturely as a good team player

Essence

      I.         Consistency participation

    II.         Keenness in listening and observing

  III.         Time sharing and orderly conduct

  IV.         Ability to handle turbulent situations

    V.         Ability to cut excessively exuberant participants down to size

  VI.         Ability to dominate the proceedings without bullying others

VII.         Avoiding personal comments

Benefits of group discussion

§  Provides chance to Expose

§  Language skills

§  Academic knowledge

§  Leadership skills

§  people handling skills

§  Team work

§  General knowledge.

  

Do`s in group discussion

    Appropriate to the issue.

    Make original points & support them by substantial reasoning .

    Listen to the other participants actively &carefully.

    Whatever you say must be with a logical flow & validate it with an example as far as possible.

    Make only accurate statements.

    Modulate the volume, pitch and tone.

    Be considerate to the feelings of the others.

    Try to get your turn.

    Be an active and dynamic participant by listening.

    Talk with confidence and self-assurance.

SF:

Ø  Sitting comfortably

Ø  Listening to topic

Ø  Organizing ideas

Ø  Speaking at the earliest

Ø  Identifying supporters/ opponents

Ø  Keeping track of time

Ø  Sharing time fairly

Ø  Maintaining eye contact

Ø  Taking notes

Ø  Aiming for summary if needed 

Don’ts during group discussion

·       Being shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.D

·       Don’t let one point of view override others

·       Interrupting another participant before his arguments are over

·       Speak in favor.

·       Don’t make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny.

·       Don’t engage yourself in sub-group conversation.

·       Don’t repeat and use irrelevant materials.

·       Addressing yourself to the examiner.

·       Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes, for your interest  the matter you put across are important.

SF:

·       Being in a hurry

·       Being silent

·       Dominating vocally/physically

·       Assuming role of chairman

·       Introducing topic

·       Taking extreme stance

·       Looking at faculty

·       Moving excessively

·       Throwing all ideas at one shot

·       Speaking fast

·       Digressing

·       Indulging in ill conversation

·       Paying attention to bull dozers

·       Using slang

·       Getting emotional

Suggestions

 

v  Never try to bluff.

v  Practice group discussion with friends on different subjects.

v  Remember! speech is a powerful weapon.

Thank You