Group Discussion

Question-1:
What is a Group Discussion?
"Group" is a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent
interaction and who work together to achieve a common set of goals.
"Discussion" is the process whereby two or more people exchange information
or ideas in a face-to-face situation to achieve a goal. The goal, or end product,
maybe increased knowledge, agreement leading to action, disagreement leading
to competition or resolution or perhaps only a clearing of the air or a
continuation of the status-quo.

Question-2:
Who holds a Group Discussion?
"Group Discussion", popularly labeled as GD, is a popular methodology used
by many organizations (company, institute, business school, etc.) these days to
judge whether the candidate has certain personality traits such as interpersonal
communication skills, confidence in public speaking, team spirit, leadership
abilities, social behaviour and problem-solving skills. GDs form an important
part of the short-listing process for recruitment or admission in a company or
institution.

Question-3:
How is a GD Conducted?
In this methodology, there are usually 7-12 participants in a group. The group of
candidates is given a topic or a situation which could be either factual, abstract
or case based, and typically given some time to think and make notes about the
same. After this, the group of candidates is, and then asked to discuss on the
topic among them for a specific duration ranging between 10-40 minutes (which
may vary from one organization to another). While the group discusses the
pertaining issue at hand, the Moderators/ Panelists silently observe each
candidate on various pre-determined parameters. The Panelists assign scores to
every candidate based on his/her individual performance as well as how he
performed within the group.
As in a football game, where you play like a team, passing the ball to each team
member and aim for a common goal, GD is also based on teamwork,
incorporating views of different team members to reach a common goal. So, a
group discussion refers to a communicative situation that allows its participants
to share their views and opinions with other participants. It is a systematic
exchange of information, views and opinions about a topic, problem, issue or
situation among the members of a group who share some common objectives.

Question-4:
Why is a "GD" conducted?
Over the recent years, Group Discussion became a popular method of assessing
a candidate‟s soft skills. The candidates who are shortlisted on basis of written
exams have qualified with their intelligence quotient, i.e., aptitude and
knowledge. However, since the significance of emotional quotient arose, new
tools such as GD were devised to judge candidates‟ social and interpersonal
skills. Organizations conduct GDs to find out whether you possess the critical
qualities/skills to contribute effectively to the goal accomplishment process.

Question-5:
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 maneuvers his ideas through the
discussion.

It helps in analyzing 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 business management and 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.

Question-6:
What are the various types of Group Discussions?
Most Group Discussions can be divided into 3 kinds:

A) Topical Group Discussions, which are based on current affairs or

„static‟ matters – for example, a GD on the topic of the recent demonetization of
Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes would be the former, whereas a GD on whether India
should adopt a presidential model of democracy would be the latter, as it has no
limitation of a time frame.

B) Case-studies, which present the group with a complex business situation

that requires a decision to be made. Such cases usually have multiple problems
embedded in the given situation, and both the individual participants and the
group are required to analyze the situation, identify the problems, and suggest a
way out.

C) Abstract Group Discussions, which are called so because they offer us

no definite framework of the topic, and hence no definite direction to take in the
discussion. Instead, the participants are required to interpret the topic in their
own ways and demonstrate innovative thinking in doing so. Such topics could
be single-worded, such as „Blue‟, or a short cryptic sentence, or even an image.

Contrary to popular perception, no one kind of GD is necessarily easier or more

difficult than any other, as the quality of response in any case depends largely
on the preparation of the individual and the way they generally think.

Question-7:
What are the evaluation criteria in a Group Discussion?
The evaluation of participants happens in two broad perspectives: Individual
qualities and group skills.

Individual qualities refer to the competencies that you may demonstrate in or

outside the context of a group. They include the following:
A) Content: What you say during the discussion is looked into from two
perspectives – relevance and comprehensiveness. It is possible that a participant
has talked a great deal in a GD, but he or she may have deviated from the topic
significantly, in which case the content is deemed largely irrelevant without the
possibility of further evaluation. If the content has been relevant to the topic, the
panel examines whether your treatment of the topic is superficial or in-depth.

B) Analytical skills: The panel is of course interested in your facts, but they
also like to see whether or not you can explore the „why‟ and the „how‟ of the
subject matter.

C) Reasoning skills: 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.

D) Organization skills: You may have the facts, the supports, the
explanations, but are you able to present them in the right order so as to
maximize the impact of your good content?

E) Communication skills: You may have exhibited all the skills stated
above, but can you get your point across to someone in a simple (not simplistic)
language they understand, with relevant illustrations they can identify with?

F) Creativity: Are you able to bring to the table a novel perspective on the
topic? Can you look at a problem differently from ten other participants and
suggest a path-breaking solution? Can you interpret an abstract topic in ways
the others cannot? If yes, the panel looks at you as someone with one of the
rarest of human qualities.

On the other hand, the group skills refer to those skills which can only be
evaluated in the context of a group. They include the following:

A) Listening skill: The panel constantly observes whether or not every

participant is listening to the discussion. In my experience, most participants are
concerned only with speaking, and feel that they are done with the job as soon
as they have spoken, which is contrary to the spirit of a discussion. There are
many ways a panel may infer that a participant is a poor listener, such as a lack
of eye contact with the group, or a poor summary at the end. It is one of the
rarest skills, and a must for a would-be manager.

B) Leadership quality: In highly-charged discussions, one or two

participants usually play the role of the anchor, in that they define the topic
appropriately, offer the initial analysis of the keywords of the topic, and also try
to hold the group together in pursuit of a common goal. Such individuals could
demonstrate effective leadership, and score some extra points. However, one
cannot score anything extra simply because one spoke first in the group, or was
the loudest.

C) 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. If the either doesn‟t happen, you allow the panel to
infer whatever they wish to – from a lack of confidence to a lack of interest in
the GD to the lack of concern for others. All very detrimental to the final score.
Hand movements are to your speech what punctuation is to your writing. If used
wisely they beautifully enhance the effect of your words; if used unwisely they
attract unnecessary attention and distract the listener from your words. I
recommend that you simply „free‟ your hands. Do not engage them with
something pointless such as playing with the pen, or tapping on the desk, or
running through your hair (common among female participants). The body has
an intelligence of its own. Just leave your hands alone and focus on the topic.
The hands will start moving naturally. Please remember that body language
cannot be faked. A skilled observer will quickly see through such deception.
Just focus on the task at hand and the body will obediently follow. The panel
may also pay attention to your voice modulation. A monotonous pitch may
reduce the impact of even the most powerful words unless you are a Tommy
Lee Jones! Vary the pitch of your voice in order to create emphasis wherever
needed.

D) Group behaviour: This is usually assessed in a broad distinction –

assertive or aggressive. Avoid the latter no matter what. Assertiveness is a
rational display of conviction of one‟s thoughts, while aggressiveness is a
display of domination through subtle intimidation. Assertiveness allows room
for flexibility – which is a desired trait – while aggressiveness leads to irrational
rigidity of viewpoint. Please remember that B-schools are looking for sensitive
individuals, not skinhead bouncers.

Question-8:
Do’s and Don’ts of GD:
Do’s
1. Rich Content with good subject knowledge
Having good subject knowledge and rich content is the first and foremost GD
tip to enter the Group Discussion Round. Following are the key steps to
improve your Group discussion skills in regard to GD content preparation:

You should prepare on variety of topics as rich and right subject knowledge will
be required during GD round.

You should have subject knowledge and be well aware of the latest happenings
around you, not just in India but around the world as well.

Subject knowledge is a pre-requisite while you are preparing for a group

discussion because you will then have the power to steer the conversation to
whichever direction you want to. If you can memorize some relevant data, it
will be an added advantage.

If you are a good reader and read on variety of topics, it will help you in group
discussion round. There is no need for last minute preparation. You should read
over a period of time. Reading not only adds to your knowledge database, but
enhances your vocabulary skills as well.

Always choose the magazines that are content rich and not just full of
advertisements. Often magazines have columns which are promoting a
particular institute etc. Avoid such magazines, do some research and buy the
best that will be beneficial for you.

2. Be a Leader
There is no doubt that to emerge a winner in GD round you should speak after
getting a grasp on the given topic. But it also gives you opportunity to take lead.
So be a leader to begin the Group Discussion. Key tips are:
Usually when the moderator announces the GD topic, for a minute there is
silence all round.

If possible, gather your thoughts in a few seconds and start the Group discussion
with positive impact and be a leader.

If you find that it is taking time to gather ideas, let others begin, and then enter
the GD round by agreeing/disagreeing with previous speakers

Beginning the Group Discussion gives the opportunity to make an impact but if
you are not able to make your point well, it will create negative effect

Therefore, it is not necessary to speak first but it is necessary that when you
speak you are heard and are able to make your point well

If you are able to speak out the name of your previous speaker and then present
your views, it will mark a good impact.

3. Be relevant
When you speak you should speak to the point without any ambiguity of
thought

Express your ideas at length. If you simply follow the other speaker or his ideas,
remember your elimination is imminent

Wherever possible, emphasize your point with facts and figures

4. Be a good Listener
Learn to be a good listener. Listening Skills are Essential for GD round, so
carefully listen to what others have to say.

Just speaking throughout the discussion doesn‟t make you better. You should
learn to give others a chance to speak. Try and listen to others.

If the speaker is making an eye-contact with you remember to acknowledge him

by nodding your head, so that the speaker is aware that his listeners are listening
to him and paying full attention. This will also show that you are vigilant and
are an active participant in the discussion.

Unless you listen well, it will not be possible for you to add value to your
content and communication
Listening offers you the opportunity to summarize the Group Discussion on
each and every aspect.

5. Improve your Communication Skills

You may have good and rich content with lot of ideas but if you are not able to
communicate well your thoughts and opinions, all is useless. The need is now to
improve your communication skills with following GD tips:

Be well versed in your communication skills.

You should have a good vocabulary and a decent command over English.

Much before your actual group discussion, rehearse well.

You can sit with a group of friends and choose a topic and indulge in a friendly
GD.

Not only will this increase your knowledge, you will be a better speaker by the
time it is time for your GD.

In case you are not sure about something, you can use phrases such as: “I think”
or “Probably/Approximately” or “If I remember correctly”

6. Body gestures: Very important tool for Group Discussion

The panelists observe the way you sit and react in the course of the discussion.
Body gestures are very important, because your body language says a lot about
you. In a GD, sit straight; avoid leaning back on to the chair or knocking the
table with pen or your fingers. Also, do not get distracted easily. Nervous body
movements, folding your hands across your chest, having skeptical expression,
constantly moving, evading eye movements are the indicators of a negative
personality and should be avoided at all costs.

Don’ts
1. No Aggressive Move
It is expected during the Group Discussion that you are firm on your ideas and
are audible enough to make an impact on the group. But being aggressive,
shouting and not allowing others in the group to speak, is not appreciated. So be
careful and don‟t be a bully.
2. Don’t Crisscross on your Ideas
Don‟t crisscross your ideas. The topics given in Group Discussion are
debatable, you might like to speak for or against the topic and while speaking
don‟t forget that you may be crossing your own lines. It gives a bad impact and
you are judged a person who has no stand for his own thought.

3. Don’t be a part of fish market

As a team player, your ability to lead and play in team is measured in the GD.
During the Group Discussion there are many instances where you will find
every one is saying something and no one is heard. It is better to be quiet for a
while and then after gathering your thoughts, raise your voice initially and make
your point.

4. Don’t give up: Make multiple entries

Don‟t be content with one round of one minute or half a minute speaking in the
group. Focus on key points, form the ideas and opinions to enter again based on
the views presented by others to further strengthen your view point.

Question-9:
Tips To Prepare For Group Discussions:
GD Preparation should begin along with your written exam preparation like
CAT/XAT/SNAP/NMAT/CMAT. Immediately after the written exam is over,
you should focus on preparing for Group Discussion round which commands 10
to 15 percent weightage in final selection round.

Following are the key expert tips to prepare for Group Discussion:

To prepare for a group discussion, keep track of happenings around the world.

Being aware of current affairs and issues and happenings, which affect our
lives, however remotely, shows a well-rounded personality.

Make a habit of reading English newspapers and magazines, watch interesting

documentaries and profiles on television to get a wider perspective on issues.

Group Discussion topics can be from a wide range of issues. It could be a topic
on current events, business news, sports or anything very general. The wider
your reading interests, the better prepared you will be to face the group
discussion.

Prepare the topics that are repeated. There are topics which re-appear with
minute changes and minor variations. Be aware of such topics well in advance
so that you have ample time to prepare for the same. For example the issues of
terrorism, gender inequality, poverty, liberalization and privatization,
reservations in educational institutions etc often appear as GD topics. Make sure
you know these topics well and can come up with some unique, insightful
points along with some data.

Controversial and political topics do not figure in Group Discussions. So there

is no need to waste your time on them.

Question-10:
10 Roles Participants Play during Group Discussion:
Following are the roles that participants in GD round play. While some of the
roles lead to selection, others invite elimination. Carefully choose the right role
in your Group Discussion round:

Beginner: The candidate who starts Group Discussion. He may suggest new
ideas, define the GD topic but may not necessarily have sufficient subject
knowledge to present effectively his view point.

Facilitator: He is leading GD while keeping track of Group Discussion

Seeker of Information– He tries to gather and solicit information from others.

Disseminator of Information – He prefers to share information and facts.

Seeker of Opinion- He tries to gather some opinion from others and ask the
fellow participants for their opinion.

Giver of Opinion – Promptly jumps to give his opinion on the views shared by
the other participant.

Analyst – He analyses and clarifies the ideas and opinions discussed during the
group discussion

Community Supporter – He supports the ideas of all participants but has none
of his own
Reliever – He presents and discusses the problem with a broader perspective
and makes mountain out of a mole hill and relieves all of any tension.

Energy spreader – This participant can be seen encouraging other participants

to explore some new ideas during a GD.

Bridge creator – He creates harmony between different opinions by giving a

solution with different ways of compromise.

Summary maker – He summarizes and concludes a GD by including all

important points discussed during a GD.

Question-11:
Characteristics of Group Discussions:
Some of the salient features common to all group discussions are as follows:

(i) Interface: A basic feature of group discussions is the interaction among the
various members of the group. They see, hear and communicate with each other
orally by paying attention to each other.

(ii) Leader and Members: Group discussions are effective only when there is
a group of members and a leader. The leader has to summarize facts and
information, integrate them, stimulate thinking and agree to a unanimous
solution of the problem. The members of the group become actively related to
each other in their respective roles.

(iii) Participation: The effectiveness and efficiency of a group discussion

depend, to a large extent, upon the active participation of the members.

(iv) Interpersonal Attraction: Another characteristic feature of a group

discussion is interpersonal attraction. As long as interaction continues, the likes,
dislikes, behavior and temperament of members are known to each other.
Among them, empathy develops and as such they share each others problems.

(v) Pressure to Conform: In a group discussion, there is always an element of

pressure to conform to norms. The pre-defined and established standards are
always enforced and followed.

(vi) Conflict: A conflict is a difference or disagreement among the members of

the group, which often arise during deliberations and discussions. A conflict is
inevitable and usually develops when alternative solutions are present. It can
stimulate the members to find new solutions to the problem. Thus, conflict is
not necessarily bad. But if it arises due to the political behavior of the members
it will have dysfunctional consequences.