Unit 4 -Group Discussion

Group discussion- importance of group discussion, types of group discussion, difference between group discussion, panel discussion
and debate, personality traits evaluated in group discussions, tips for successful participation in group discussion

Definition:-

Group discussion is a hiring technique applied by most organizations to select an ideal candidate for a particular job role. Generally,
the group discussions are performed to assess the skill set of a person which includes communication skills, leadership skills,
managing skills, team building skills, social skills, problem-solving skills and presence of mind. At last, the rating is given on a scale
of 1 to 10.

1. Importance of Group Discussion

Why GD is important?

 It helps evaluate whether a candidate is the right fit for the organization.
 It helps assess how a participant performs under different situations in a group.
 It helps to judge how one conceptualizes and presents his ideas through the discussion.
 It helps in analysing the candidate’s attitude towards fellow members through one’s communication and interpersonal skills,
listening ability, humility and tolerance to others ideas.
 It helps in shedding light on candidate’s leadership and managerial skills, problem-solving aptitude, creative thinking and
knowledge on diverse topics.

Since, team work is an essential element of corporate work-sphere, a person’s ability to perform well in a GD is very critical for a
successful career. A GD helps to achieve group goals as well as individual goals. The examiner can evaluate both the personality traits
and group skills of candidates participating in a G.D. It is basically a situation test wherein a sample of a candidate’s group worthiness
and potential as a worker comes out quite explicitly.

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 2. Types of Group Discussion

Group Discussions can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based GDs can be classified into four groups:

1. Current affairs topics

2. Factual topics
3. Controversial topics
4. Abstract topics

1. Current Affairs Topics

These topics include discussions which have been in the news recently. These topics are given to judge analytical skills and general
awareness.

Example:- Demonetization

2. Factual Topics

Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-
economic and general topics. A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware and has good
knowledge. In factual topics, complete group agrees or disagrees with the topic and there is less debate. Given a problem, the group is
to find some solutions.

Example:- Education system in India.

3. Controversial Topics

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level
is usually high, there may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the candidate is
displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and
emotional.

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Example:- Are woman better managers than men?

4. Abstract Topics

Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out.
These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.

Example:- The Alphabet A

Case Based GD

A case study is given instead of any topic. A candidate is required to study the case and then discuss among the group. The case study
tries to simulate a real-life situation. The situation is generally problematic and there are no incorrect answers or perfect solutions. The
objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation from various angles.

3. Difference between group discussion, panel discussion and debate

Criteria Group discussion Debate Panel Discussion

Definition A discussion is an exchange of ideas, A debate is a formal contest of A panel discussion is a
information, opinions between a group of argumentation between two specific format used in a
people. individuals or teams meeting, conference or
convention.
People may express different views A debate always has two Each panelist will typically
Opposing during discussions, but discussions do not opposing sides have their own differing
Views necessarily have two opposing sides. opinions from the others on
the subject matter presented,
which makes for a thought-
provoking and well-rounded
discussion for the audience to
learn from and be entertained
by.

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 Discussions do not have a conclusion; Debates often have a Can be summarized by sharing
Conclusion there is no tidy, accepted ending. conclusion; one side is the important insights of the
declared as the winner or the discussion
proposal being debated is
either accepted or rejected.
Discussions are more informal than Debates are more formal than Panels can take place in a
Formality debates. discussions. variety of settings that range
from casual to formal.

The purpose of a discussion includes The debaters attempt to A panel discussion is designed
Purpose sharing knowledge, information, persuade the listeners and the to provide an opportunity for a
experiences, and opinions. other side that their view is group to hear several people
correct. knowledgeable about a
specific issue or topic present
information and discuss
personal views
Discussions are not usually competitive. Debate is competitive. Panel discussions are not
Competition Except in Placements scenarios competitive.

4. Personality traits evaluated in Group Discussions

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

* Communication skills
Candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It
indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.
* Interpersonal Skills

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People skills are an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability to interact with other members of the group in
a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people
centric and less self-centered.
* Leadership Skills
Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve the group's
objectives. A leader is a person who facilitates the third type of situation in a GD. A leader shows the group direction,
whenever it moves away from the topic. He or she inspires and motivates team members to express their views and also
coordinates the effort of different participants.

* Team Building Skills

A GD is the most powerful tool to evaluate a person's team skills. Team skills are important simply because, in the present
knowledge economy, it is very essential for a manager to be a team player. A manager will always work in teams. In the
beginning of his career, a manager works as a team member and, later on, as a team leader.
* Analytical /Logical Skills
A candidate must possess the quality of analytical thinking. For any given topic, the candidate must first gather information
(using his/her GK skills), identify the issues and problems that needs to be spoken about and organize the information in a
systematic form.

* Reasoning ability
The panel looks at how you support your standpoints, and how you respond to those of the others, how effectively you can
‘strengthen or weaken’ an argument, how logical you are in your overall approach to the topic.

* Initiative
Taking initiative is an important quality of a leader. If you have understood the topic well and have something substantial to
say, initiate the discussion. However, do not initiate the discussion for the sake of doing it and give fellow speakers also an
opportunity to put across their views.
* Assertiveness
Being assertive is all about being positive, confident and emphatic. An assertive person has an inherent ability to put his point
across the group in a friendly and confident manner. His body language is positive and he has a friendly disposition towards

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 fellow group members.
* Flexibility
This means openness to another person's ideas and also being open to the evaluation of one's own ideas. To stay flexible in a
group discussion, try to create a framework and avoid taking a stand in the beginning. Flexibility is an important personality
trait. A person who is flexible will have less sharp corners in his personality and his friction with people around will also be
less.
* Creativity

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.
 Body language: While assessing the body language, the panel primarily looks at eye contact
and hand movements. The speaker must maintain a consistent eye contact with the entire
group as he or she speaks, and the listeners must reciprocate.

5. Tips for successful participation in Group Discussion

Tip 1: Pay attention to your body language

The first impression is often the last. Make sure you make a good one. While in a Group Discussion, follow the basics of sitting up
straight, look everyone in the eye while making your point and listen attentively to others while they speak. Don’t be too animated
(waving your arms frantically or making gestures that are loud). Also, NEVER twiddle with your pen or stare blankly at the ceiling
when others in the group are talking. Look at them while they speak and show that you’re interested in what they have to contribute,
even if you have to pretend.

Make eye contact with everyone on the table while they speak or while you speak. This shows that you’re alert.

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Tip 2: Be courteous with fellow speakers
Remember that one of the key traits GD recruiters look for is team spirit. Make sure you’re courteous to others in the group. Make
your point but avoid cutting in when others are talking.

Additionally, do not use negative terms like “I disagree” or “That’s incorrect”.

Using milder forms of disagreement like “Adding another perspective to what you just contributed” or “Looking at it from another
angle”, not only displays your positive personality but also shows you’re a team worker.

Tip 3: Be confident and keep adding 'good' points

The point you thought would make you stand out just got stolen! The guy sitting on your right is screaming his lungs out. You feel
you’re losing control of the situation. Do not panic. The panelists can see how you react to tense circumstances like these. Hence,
relax. Breathe. Compose yourself. And jump right into the Group Discussion with a new point, like nothing happened.

Tip 4: Ensure that your words make sense

While it is important to make a substantial number of points and leave a mark on the panelists, it is equally important that you talk
sense. Talking nonsense never fetches points. If you feel that you’re unaware of the topic, allow others to speak first. Take a cue from
what they have to offer and make your own points. In the worst case, rephrase what your group mates had to offer and reiterate their
points. If you feel you didn’t have much to contribute, summarize the discussion.

Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to start

If you are well versed with the topic announced and there is a lot you have to offer, pat yourself on the back (well, mentally). Jot down
the key points and be the beginner of the group discussion. That way, you get an opportunity to lead the discussion, heading it to a
meaningful point of your choice and convenience.

Tip 6: Use supporting statistics and examples

Using famous quotes or examples to back up your points in a group discussion will prompt panelists to keep note of your cognizance.
Also, the use of statistical data to corroborate your viewpoint fetches further brownie points. It is not that hard after all, is it?

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Tip 7: Participate in mock GDs beforehand
Participating in mock Group Discussions before the final day will help you judge yourself in comparison with others of similar caliber
and potential. Try to be a part of mock Group Discussions to open your thought process to diverse topics and make a mental note of
your strengths and shortcomings.

Tip 8: Brush up your GK

Some most common topics for group discussion are picked up from newspapers. Make sure you’re fully aware of whatever’s hot and
happening in and around the country. If you haven’t been reading newspapers/magazines regularly, browse through websites that
could give you a quick overview of the latest happenings.

Tip 9: Follow your heart

Has it ever happened that you made 6 points in a Group Discussion and got rejected while your friend made just 2 and got selected?
Happens often, right? This shows that no 2 Group Discussions are the same and you may never know what exactly a company is
looking for. So, don’t believe your GD coaches when they give you “Group discussion tips that command you to make at least 5
points to get noticed“. No set rules can be framed about the number of times you open your mouth in a Group Discussion.

Go with the flow, follow your heart. Remember, eventually, it is the quality that matters and not quantity.

Tip 10: Stay updated at all times

Just like your best friend, internet browsers can answer all your queries by suggesting top interview preparation websites in times of
distress. Research online regularly to access a vast, company-specific database of authentic interview experiences shared by real
interviewees. Read interview and group discussion tips submitted by genuine people who have undergone similar experiences before.
Watch videos of GD recordings too. Such materials will help you ace your GD selection process.

Tip 11: Acquire these crucial group discussion skills

Group discussion is a tool to test your teamwork skills, listening skills, discussion ability, subject knowledge, and communication.
Intrinsic skills like reasoning, speaking and time management come in very handy. Skills that you can work upon include presentation,
summarizing and people speaking. Learn more about crucial group discussion skills in detail here. Get in a group of 6-8 and try out
these pointers to play it cool.

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 Tip 12: Lastly, follow these group discussion rules
 Come prepared
 Maintain a firm posture
 Take charge of the discussion
 Retain your standing and balance
 Do not get emotional

Do’s of Group Discussion

There are several things about which you have to be careful while group discussion.

 Speak pleasantly and politely in the group.

 Respect and recognize the contribution of every member and represent it with a nod or a smile.
 Agree and acknowledge whatever you find interesting.
 Disagree politely because it is a discussion and not an argument.
 Do a mental revision of what you are going to say. Think of how you can best answer the question or contribute to the topic.
 Stick to the theme of discussion and not get engaged in other irrelevant discussions.
 Follow etiquettes while speaking.
 Be confident.

Don’ts of Group Discussion

Some of the don’ts are listed below about which you have to careful while presenting yourself in front of others.
 Don’t lose your temper. It is a group discussion, not an argument.
 Don’t speak loudly or aggressively. Always use a moderate tone and a medium pitch.
 Don’t do gestures like finger pointing and table thumping. This can appear aggressive, so limit your body gestures.
 Don’t dominate the discussion. As confident speakers should allow the quieter, a chance to speak up and contribute to the
discussion.
 Don’t draw too much on personal experience.
 Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking. Wait for a speaker to finish before you speak.