Definition, Ambience, Types of Group Discussion,Purpose and Benefits of Group discussion, How Group Discussion differs from Debate and Panel Discussion, Traits, Big 5 individual traits.

1. Group DiscussionGroup Discussion
Prof. Piyalee Bhattacharya
KSD’s Model College, Dombivali
India.
Group DiscussionGroup Discussion
Bhattacharya
Dombivali, Maharashtra,
India.

2. Objectives
of the
1.Definition
2.Ambience of Group Discussion
3.Purpose of Group Discussion
4.Benefits of Group Discussionof the
study.
4.Benefits of Group Discussion
5.Differences between Group
Discussion, Panel Discussion & Debate
6.Types of Group Discussion
7.Traits & Big Five
1.Definition.
2.Ambience of Group Discussion
3.Purpose of Group Discussion
4.Benefits of Group Discussion4.Benefits of Group Discussion
5.Differences between Group
Discussion, Panel Discussion & Debate
6.Types of Group Discussion
7.Traits & Big Five Individual Traits

3. Definition.
Group discussions may be
defined as an activity in which a
small number of persons meetsmall number of persons meet
face to face and exchange and
share ideas freely or attempt to
reach a decision on a common
issue.
Group discussions are
unstructured and less formal
compared to meetings or
conferences
Definition.

4. Ambience for Group Discussion
Room should accommodate
the participants of Group
Discussion.
Comfortable chairs,
preferably movable chairs to
be provided.
Preferably round or hollow
square seating arrangement.
Room should be well
ventilated and well lit.
Ambience for Group Discussion

5. Purpose of Group Discussion
For short listing candidates for
recruitment.
For short listing candidates forFor short listing candidates for
admission in educational institutes.
To find out a solution for an issue.
To find out innovative ideas to
solve an issue.
To train employees in inter-
personal skills.
Purpose of Group Discussion
admission in educational institutes.
To find out a solution for an issue.

6. Benefits of Group Discussion
Finds strength and weakness of a
person.
Tests communication skills.Tests communication skills.
Tests leadership skills.
Tests working in Team.
 Tests man management skills.
 Tests socio-political awareness.
Tests interpersonal skills.
Benefits of Group Discussion

7. Difference between Group & Panel
Discussion.
Group Discussion
1)Group of people discuss on
a topic without any audience.
2) Audience absent.2) Audience absent.
3) To Screen candidates or
finding solutions to problems.
4) No formal leader or
moderator is appointed.
Difference between Group & Panel
Discussion.
Panel Discussion
1)Group 3-8 people discuss
on a topic.
2) Audience sometime2) Audience sometime
participate in front of an
audience.
3) To provide information or
to entertain.
4) Moderator conducts the
discussion.

8. Difference between Group Discussion &
Debate
Debate
1)A debate is a structured
argument. Two sides speak
alternately for and against a
particular contention usuallyparticular contention usually
based on a topical issue.
2)Audience may be present but
do not participate in the
discussion.
3)Help in critical thinking skills.
4)Judge and Moderator may be
present to scale the quality of
participation
Difference between Group Discussion &
Debate
Group Discussion
1)Group of people discuss
on a topic without any
audience.audience.
2) Audience absent.
3) Screening of candidates
or finding solutions to
problems.
4) No formal leader or
moderator is appointed.

9. Types of Group Discussion
On the basis of conducting.
Structured:- Most common method, topic and
time frame allotted.time frame allotted.
Unstructured:- Topic mutually decided by the
participants. Rarely used.
Role Play:- Specific roles given to the
participants and they have to solve problems
within their role.
Nominated Leader:- Leader summarizes and
moderates the discussion. May be nominated
by the participants.
Types of Group Discussion
Most common method, topic and
Topic mutually decided by the
participants and they have to solve problems
Leader summarizes and
moderates the discussion. May be nominated

10. Types of Group Discussion
Based on the nature of the topic.
Controversial topics:- These topics make
the discussion livelier with points and
counter points. Ex:- Human Cloning.
the discussion livelier with points and
counter points. Ex:- Human Cloning.
Abstract topics:- These type of vague
topics are given to judge the creativity of
the participants. Ex:- Zero.
Case study topics:- A problem is given to
the participants which may be related to
organizational or managerial. The
participants discuss the various
alternatives to solve this problem.
Types of Group Discussion

11. Traits.
Personality traits reflect
people's characteristic
patterns of thoughts,patterns of thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors.
Personality traits imply
consistency and stability.
There are Five important
Traits, “The Big Five”.
Traits.

12. Individual Traits
The Big Five Traits
Openness.
Conscientiousness.
Extraversion.
Agreeableness.
Neuroticism.
Individual Traits

13. Openness.
They are imaginative, creative,
curious and appreciate new
things or new way of doingthings or new way of doing
things.
Motto, “ variety is the spice of
life”.
People with opposite to
openness do not like changes.
Openness.

14. Conscientiousness.
Are more organized and have a
strong sense of duty.
They are dependable, disciplinedThey are dependable, disciplined
and achievement focused.
They plan their work.
People low in conscientiousness
tend to be spontaneous and free
wheeling.
It is a helpful trait for success in
corporate world.
Conscientiousness.

15. Extraversion.
Most recognizable trait among
the big five traits.
They are more social, love toThey are more social, love to
interact.
They are assertive and cheerful.
Introverts spend plenty of time
alone.
Extraversion.

16. Agreeableness.
Trustworthy , helpful and
compassionate.
They are more cooperative.They are more cooperative.
Disagreeable are cold and
suspicious.
It is a trait which is appreciated
in job and every other walks of
life.
Agreeableness.
It is a trait which is appreciated
in job and every other walks of

17. Neuroticism.
People on high neuroticism
scale worry a lot and become
anxious easily. Emotionallyanxious easily. Emotionally
unstable. Negative unstable.
People on low neuroticism
scale are emotionally stable.
Neuroticism.