2. Introduction to Group
Discussion
Group discussion is a method to evaluate the
unseen inner capabilities of a person while
interacting with others. It shows off inner
talent, individual’s potential capacity and
comprehensibility. Group discussion is used as
a tool for assessing the suitability of a
candidate. But also it certifies his
personalities, behaviour, attitude, perception
& social engineering capacities.
to be continued...
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3. Group discussion is also used to discuss any
problem by the professionals in an
organisation. It is evident by many examples
that decisions taken by a group are more
justified than decisions taken by an individual.
This way, now-a-days decision whether it is
taken in a board meeting, parliament, in
society or in a house is the outcome of the
group discussion.
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4. Importance of Group Discussion
Present day complex
environment of the
organisations & society need
well thought of strategic
decisions to fight away the
complex situations
Group discussions involve
responsibilities and
leadership
We require broad spectrum
work systems. So we need
well discussed decisions
Group discussions help to
generate vies about the
practical capabilities &inner
power, which is nearly
impossible during interview
process
In group discussion,
personality of a candidate is
more accurately judged
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5. Group discussion helps
to judge the actual
behaviour of an
individual
Group discussion
explores more
candidates at a time
than an interview
process
It gives the opportunity
to compare the
candidates at a given
point of time & at the
same port folio
It gives the advantage of
listening to a wide
variety of views &
develop one’s own view
It is a democratic
method of decision
making
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6. Process of Group Discussion
There must be a oval or
round shaped table for
better viewing, eye contact
& interaction
The light and sound system may
be perfect so that body
language & reflexes can be
seen easily
The ideal strength of participants
in a group discussion should
not exceed 15
Observers must be hidden at
some place from where they
can minutely observe each &
every candidate. But, the
candidates can not see them.
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7. Types of group discussion
FORMAL GROUP- the persons alike in the authority and
responsibility capacities are put in a group. Therefore, it is
called a formal group. This group generally follows the
formal structure of the organisation
INFORMAL GROUP- when the persons have same
interests or same aim, they are formed in a single group.
SPECIALISED GROUP- when a work is to be completed.
This target is given to that group which includes the person
having the traits to do that work. For instance, production
can not be handled by the marketing personnel while
marketing can not be handled by production personnel.
Therefore, a group including the specialised persons is
called the specialised group
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8. Types of Group Discussion
• Structured and Unstructured group
discussion-structured group discussion is a style
where topic is given to the candidates by the selection
committee, whereas, in an unstructured type of group
discussion, candidates themselves decide the topic
with their mutual consent.
• Board type of group discussion- in this type,
one of the participant is elected as a chairperson in the
start. Chairpersons can be elected freely by the
members of the group or by the selection committee
• Role Playing group discussion- in this type of
group discussion, candidates are given a problematic
situation. Each candidate is then assigned a specific
role or character to play. They are required to solve the
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9. Characteristics of an effective group discussion
• VOCABULARY- strong hold on language is a crucial
factor of effective group discussion.
• COOPERATION- cooperation & co-existance are
two such phenomenon which shows a person’s
attitude of team building & respect one’s colleagues
• BALANCE- a candidate must be balanced in nature,
over assertiveness & unnecessary gasping of
atmosphere is not liked by fellow partners & experts
• ACCURACY- the speaker in a group discussion must
talk to the point. He/she must not rely upon false &
managed facts
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10. • PATIENCE- patience is one of the best
qualities in a participant in group discussion. It
is best way to generate penetration &
precision
• INTEREST- if we know well & have
knowledge about a subject matter, we must
have to show our interest also, not showing
off the interest in a subject may give an
indication that we know less
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11. PRE- REQUISITE OF A
GROUP DISCUSSION
KNOWLEDGE
EFFECTIVE LISTENING
PRESENTATION
INITIATION
BODY LANGUAGE
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
COOPERATION
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12. IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS OF
GROUP DISCUSSION
• PROJECTION OF POSITIVE SELF- group
discussion is applied to judge the overall
personality of the candidate, and, the personality
is the sum total of the traits, way of dressing, way
of dressing, way of speaking, style of self-
projection, expression and the level of
motivation. And, the candidate has to “show off”
these qualities in a short span of time effectively
and positively
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13. • COMMUNICATION SKILLS-
communication is the fundamental part of
general living but effective communication
requires extended skills. Effective communication
skills whereas give you margin in understanding
things & delivering your expressions, explain your
personality, too. This way, communication skills
are very necessary during the group discussion.
One can have brilliant ideas but without proper
expressions, they have no use. Every company
wants his employees to be good in
communication skills so that they can be effective
in dealing with customers
to be continued...
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14. • TEMPERAMENT & COORDINATION-
temperament of the candidate is as important
as the other above mentioned qualities.
Moreover, temperament along with
coordination skills gives positiveness during
the judgements. Positive and cool
temperament & coordinative attitude are
major characteristics for all managerial posts.
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