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UNIT-6 GROUP DISCUSSION

Que-1 Importance and Objectives of GD :
Following points can be made to state the importance and objectives of GD (1) Generation of ideas : A Group Discussion is effective tool of idea generation. When we discuss a topic or an issue with more people we get numerous ideas about that topic/issue. In a GD we get limitless ideas, solutions, alternatives etc. Hence GD is a powerful and apt tool to generate ideas. Moreover, GD enables us to think from multiple perspectives through brainstorming. (2) Reviewing policies and plans : In an organization, the organizational members have to form certain policies and plan various activities to achieve organizational goals. Indeed, if organizations fail to plan, they plan to fail. But no plan/policy is effective unless it is reviewed periodically. Every policy has a potential to become a major problem. Organizational policies and plans live a very short life. so it is very essential for all the organizational members to call for a meeting for reviewing their policies. No other form of group communication can be as effective as GD to review organizational policies. As GD enables open and free interaction among the participants, they can give their feedback, suggestions, solutions, freely and frankly a meeting is agenda bound and role bound form of group communication. Whereas GD is free and less formal form of group communication. (3) Organizing terms and tasks : An organizations success depends on the team work GD plays a major role in organizing teams and tasks. During GD, participants can help each other to organize the activities in a batter way. Participants can distribute roles/tasks to each other and can work in more organized manner. (4) Understanding people : GD is a very important medium to understand people in a better manner. We come to know of a persons philosophy, personality, like-dislikes, preferences, plans, etc through group interaction. Also GD enables us to assess how people work and behave in group. GD is very useful medium to understand people and their organizational behaviour. (5) Problem-solving : Certain problems are complex and difficult in nature. These problems can not be solved individually. GD provides an opportunity to discuss the problem and its consequences. In a group discussion, a problem can be studied objectively and collectively. The objective study of a problem provides batter solutions. Every solution can also become a problem if it is not tested reviewed and discussed in a group. GD is tool to problem solving process.

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(6) Decision making : The age of individual (ex party) decisions is practically replaced by group decision making. It is observed that people support and accept those decisions which are taken by their consent. When all the concerned people are considered and involved in decision making process, they take batter decisions. GD aims at taking appropriate decisions. A groups decision can be preferred to an experts decisions. (7) Information exchange :

If we exchange one coin, we both have one coin each. But if we exchange one idea, we both have two ideas.
Indeed, GD is the best method of information exchange. Participants can give information about a concept/issue in a GD. GD is a powerful tool to information exchange and awareness. No one is omniscient in this world. We have to interact and share our information with each other. GD enables us to exchange information and share resources. (8) Strategic planning : GD helps in planning organizational activities systematically and strategically. Experts, panellists, prospect participants plan their activities by conducting group discussions. (9) Conflict resolution : In an organization a conflict can occur at various levels. It may occur at organizational, intergroup, interpersonal, intra-individual level. Many conflict arise because of communication gap between workers and the management, between employees and managers, and among workers. GD bridges communication gap between individuals. When people come face-to-face and discuss their problems and grievances, They understand each others mistakes and faults. many issues can be resolved in GD. (10) Unanimity among people : GD helps in brining agreement among the team members on certain issues. GD helps in reducing differences and increasing unanimity in the organization. (11) S-Studying cases :

GD is very effective way to study different type of cases. Doctors psychiatrists conduct group discussions to study a patients problems thoroughly and systematically. (12) Socializing people :

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GD is helpful in socializing people and professionals. There are many people in the organization who are introvert in nature. They prefer to live and work alone. This may be because of shyness or a complex. GD enables them to mingle with other people frankly and openly. introvertness can be a major barrier to group communication. GD helps in reducing reserved nature of people and enables them to communicate more and more. (13) Instruction: GD is very effective method of instructing people. It is time saving and economical. Instead of giving individual instruction to professionals or peer members, group instructions are preferable. By giving group instructions, we can make each team member understand his/her duties in a batter way. Thus, GD is emerging as a very innovative way of giving instructons. (14) Oneness of group members : Teamwork is the essence of organizational life. Oneness of group members goals and purpose is very crucial to success in the organization. GD provides a platform for all the group members to reduce the differences and establish using of purpose and people. (15) Negotiation : Negotiation is a kind of discussion used for reaching to an agreement. GD helps in bringing a golden mean where both the parties can reach to and agreement. No other form of group communication is as useful as GD for negotiation. Thus, group discussion is inseparable part of our life. GD plays a very important role in our personal as well as professional life. It is one of the important forms of communication used frequently for various purposes all over the global.

QUE- 2 Evaluation Criteria for GD. OR Discuss Group Discussion as a part of selection process. OR Qualities required for participation in GD
Group Discussion still plays an important role in selection process of a candidate for the job and the admission process for many MBA colleges. GD is the best tool for judging the personality of the candidates, their communication skills, knowledge, and their ability to work in a team. Hence, the aim of GD is to evaluate a candidates suitability to work in an organization. Most organizations today are very clear about the skills and knowledge that they look for in a candidate while selecting them. PROCESS OF GROUP DISCUSSION Generally in a group discussion, a topic is given to 8 to 15 participants. The seating arrangement is made in such a way that every participant can see and speak to each other comfortably. Generally, Topic of GD is a controversial point. Any current issue of regional national or global importance is selected as topic of group discussion. After the
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allotment of topic, participants get a specific amount of time for preparing and organizing their ideas. But in extemporaneous GDs, the time for preparation is not given. Normally, a GD lasts for 25-35 minutes. There are many recruiters who conduct GDs for only 15-20 minutes. Evaluators (judges) test a candidates personality, leadership skills, knowledge, group behaviour, communication skills, logical reasoning, persuasive and problem-solving skills. However, there are basically four criteria for the evolution of GD which are given below: 1. 2. 3. 4. Leadership Skills Communication Skills Team Player General Awareness

Leadership skills: Leadership is one of the key skills on which candidates are assessed during a Group Discussion. To be a good leader in a group discussion you should have following qualities. Taking initiative such as beginning the discussion, asking other participants for their views and encouraging all members to participate in the discussion Ability to give directions when other participants throw the ideas illogically. Guiding the group when the discussion goes off track. Listening to the other participants is another important quality required to be a leader in GD. Leading towards goal fulfilment. Discussion is just a tool. Final goal must be a decision. Communication skills: The participating candidates are also assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression through word and aptness of their language. One should be able to speak without any hesitation and at the same time should not sound harsh. To be a good communicator you should... Hold attention of the group by using simple language. You should not make too much use of jargons and slang. Explain ideas in clear-cut way with clarity. Speak fluently and put forward your ideas without hesitation. To persuade the group to accept the points made by you. Use appropriate body language. Your body movements should not attract attention by themselves but should support your verbal language. Maintain the voice and tone. It should not be so low that it cant be heard by other participants and should not be so high that it damages other participants ear-drums. Team Player (Group Behaviour): Corporate world is all about working as a team, if the team succeeds everyone in the team succeeds; similarly a failure of team is failure of each members of the team. Candidates participating in GD are also evaluated for their ability to work in a team. To be a good team player, you should keep the following points in mind. Be polite and cordial in your communication.
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Accept others viewpoint and encourage each member to put forward their points. Don't lose your cool if someone counter argues the points you had raised. -Avoid any futile arguments. Help the group to achieve its goal. You should not put someone down during the discussion Accept other view points (if its a valid one) You should not show stubbornness and harshness Speak maturely Do not raise voice unnecessarily

General Awareness: The topics given in Group Discussion are mostly of current affairs; at times any abstract topic is given. If the topic is from current affairs it is expected from the candidate to be aware of the happenings around the world. The idea a candidate put forwards clearly demonstrates his maturity and interests in the current. Originality of the ideas, awareness of the topic and you approach to the topic help you to succeed in GD. The greater our knowledge about our topic, more enthusiastic and confident you will be. Your arguments should be supported by proper evidences. Just raising a point without being able to justify the same during a GD would not help and may result in negative marks as well.

Q-3 Procedure of Group Discussion :

Most of the recruiters conduct GD soon after the written aptitude test and before the personal interview. The candidates who qualify in the aptitude test are called for a group discussion round; and the candidates who qualify in a group discussion are shortlisted for personal interviews. Generally, the following procedure is followed in GD: (1) Number of participants required: There is no fixed rule or standard to decide the number of participants in a GD. However, it is generally agreed that there should be eight to fifteen participants in a GD. (2) Seating arrangement: Participants seating arrangement differs from place. But the seating arrangement is made in such a way that every participant can see and speak to each other comfortably. (3) Allotment of the topic: Generally, Topic of GD is a moot point. Any current issue of regional national or global importance is selected as topic of group discussion. In some situations, the participants are allowed to select the topic on their own. But this happens very rarely. (4) Time for preparation: In many GDs the participants get a specific amount of time for preparing and organizing their ideas. But in extemporaneous GDs, preparatory time is not allotted. However, time for preparation in group discussion solely depends upon the choice of the recruiters.
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(5) Time period of GDs : Generally, a GD lasts for 25-35 minutes. There are many recruiters who conduct GDs for only 15-20 minutes. The participants are supposed to conduct the group discussion in a given time period.

(6) Appointment of a leader : No participant is appointed as a leader in GDs. The leader emerges out of GD. Every participant has potential to become a leader. There are many leader in a GD. (7) Evaluation of GD : Evaluators may sit in the same room where the GD is being conducted, or they also can sit in the next room watching the GD on a video screen. This choice depends upon the availability of the state-of-the-art technology. Evaluators test a candidates personality, Leadership skills, knowledge, communication skills, logical reasoning problem-solving ability, persuasive skills and interpersonal skills.

QUE-4 Types/ Techniques/ Methods of Group Discussion

Basically there are three techniques for GD which are: (a) (b) (c) Brainstorming Delphi Technique Nominal Group Technique

1. Brainstorming: Brainstorming is a procedure used to generate variety ideas and perspectives on an issue by a group of people. It is the most uncritical method of discussion where free flow of opinions is encouraged. There is no scope for criticism or evaluation of ones ideas in a Brainstorming session. 2. Nominal Group Technique: This method is used for quick decision-making among the group of many people. In this method, all the members are physically present but they operate independently. The procedure of this kind of GD is as follows: Members meet as a group but before any discussion takes place, each member, independently and silently, writes down his/her ideas about the problem. After that each member presents single idea. These ideas are recorded. No discussion takes place until all ideas are presented and recorded. After that the group discusses the idea for clarification and evaluation. Each group member votes for the different ideas. The highest ranking idea is taken as the final decision.

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The main benefit of this technique is that all the participants can think independently which generally does not happen in group interaction.

3. Delphi Technique: The Delphi technique is time-consuming method. It is quite similar to the Nominal method. But in this method, the physical presence of the participants is not required. Group members never meet face-to-face. The procedure of this kind of GD is as follows: A problem is identified and members are asked to give a solution through questionnaires. The participants answer the questionnaires in two or more rounds. Each participant completes the first round of questionnaire. The result of the first round is compiled at central location and the result is reproduced. Each participants receives a copy of the result. Based on the results, another questionnaire is prepared and members are again asked for the solutions. It keeps on repeating until the they reach on a common agreement.

Q-5 Tips for participation in a GD :

(A) Be a voracious reader : Voracity is very essential for success in group discussion. The topics for GDs are always current issues. The participants should be through with current affairs by reading various sources of information (Books, newspapers, journals, etc). Remember, one who reads is the one who leads in GDs. Unfortunately, many students do not read books, newspapers etc. they do not make a major contribution in group discussions. If one wants to be successful in GDs, one should cultivate the habit of reading. (B) Carry pen and paper : The participants are supposed to carry pens and papers with them. There are a few recruiters, however, do not allow participants to carry some writing material in a GD. But going without pen and paper shows non professionalism. the moment topic is announced to the participants, they are supposed to jot down as many ideas as possible and organize them well. The paper helps the participants to organize their ideas before speaking. (C) Listen to the topic carefully :The participants should listen to the topic very carefully. This helps them understand the exact meaning, scope and nature of the topic. The participants should not ask the evaluators the meaning of the topic. It shows ignorance and negligence on the part of the candidates. Remembers the more you listen attentively, the more you think effectively. (D) Do not haste to initiate: The moment the evaluators ask the GD participant to start the discussion, one should not haste to initiate by abruptly opening a GD. Wait for
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5-10 seconds. Observe whether anyone else is about to begin. If no one shows initiation, take the initiative by doing following three things.

1. 2. 3.

Greeting the participants Announcing the topic Defining and introducing the scope of the topic.

One who initiates does not take extra marks. So, participants should not struggle to start GD for winning the first impression. (E) Speak clearly and confidently : The participants should respect other participants but should not surrender to faces, force fences. They should speak clearly, and confidently. But in this effort, never speak aloud. It will have negative repercussions. (F) Keep It Short and Simple (KISS) Remember, GD is not an individual presentation. It is group communication. You should not speak for longer duration. Allow others to speak. The delivery should be crisp with only one or two points presented at a given time. (G) Listen attentively and critically : The GD participants should be attentive and critical listeners. They should give all ears to the speaker. (H) Be open to criticism : The participants should be open to criticism. It is possible in a GD that a candidates ideas are rejected, criticized or questioned. In this situation the speaker tends to become aggressive. One should take the criticism boldly. Do not insult the participants for showing opposition to your ideas and suggestions. (I) Show good group behaviour :The participants should show assertive group behaviour. They should not dominate each other. There should be rapport among the participants. All the GD interactants should insure that they are working as a group and there should not be group within a group. Every participant should practice team building and team management skills. (J) Practice good interpersonal skills : GD participants should exhibit excellent interpersonal skills such as leadership, assertiveness, good group behaviour, decision, making, problem solving, negotiation skills etc. Remember, GD requires a variety of skill set. (K) Use formal and acceptable language : The language of GD should be formal and acceptable. The participants should avoid using slang and informal expressions. They should slang and informal expressions. They hould use acceptable and grammatical patterns while expressing their ideas. (L) Practice effective non-verbal communication: The participants should practice effective non verbal communication. They should maintain direct eye contact to
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the participants. Sit with an erect posture and project positive body language. The participants should manage their facial expressions and gestures.

(M)

Conclude very effectively : The participants can conclude the GD by :

1. 2. 3. (O)

Summarizing key ideas. Reaching to an agreement. Selecting a course of action. Do not become negative participant : Many GD interactants become negative participants by : Blocking other participants Dominating in a group Clowning-making unproductive jokes With drawing from GD. All should avoid these negativities in a GD.

(P)

Manage your time :

Participants should discuss the topic in a given specific time. They should practice Time for every idea and every idea on time. Formula. (Q) NOSTUESO (No one speaks twice unless everyone speaks once) :

This formula is given by Nancy Schullery and Beth Hoger (1998). The participants should speak and allow others to speak. NOSTUESO is very helpful in maintain rapport among the group participants.

Q-6 Type of Group Discussion Topics :

Mainly, there are three types of GD topics : (A) Abstract or imaginative topics :

Abstract topics are imaginative, creative and fanciful topics where in the candidates can present their ideas using the power of imaginative and innovation. Mainly, these kinds of topics call for the willing suspension of disbelief. The participants have to create, imagine and innovate in abstractness. For e.g. 1. A date with victory
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2. 3. 4. 5.

If i get wings If i were immortal If i got time machine My idea of an ideal india.

(B)

Factual or knowledge based topics :

These are real or theoretical topics based on educational, scientific, social, political, economical and various other theoretical concepts. For e.g. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Impact of cartoons on children. Information security. Quality of higher education in India. India 2008 : An era of unrest. Future of small scale industries. Global terrorism.

(C)

Argumentative or disputable topics :

These topics are based on any social, technological, cultural, educational, controversy or issue. However, this type of discussion differs from debate. In debate we have fixed sides (For-Against). But in GD, we testify both the sides without accepting and rejecting it. For e.g. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Should mercy killing be legalized? Should the death sentence be abandoned. Whether India will become a supper power in 2020. Should English be replaced by Hindi language. Should one religion be held responsible for terrorism. Whether social networking sites be banned. Whether leaders are born or made.

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