A Group Discussion is a verbal dialogue and exchange of thoughts and opinions between a group of people. It is a personality test commonly used by institutes where there is a high level of competition.
Candidates and executives are selected for managerial appointments, training, awarding of scholarships, admission to post graduate or specialized courses using this test.
A typical GD involves 8 to 12 participants discussing a topic for a stipulated time, usually for 15 to 20 minutes. Like an interview, a GD can be administered easily because it is a verbal test. It has all the advantages of field tests which make it more objective and reliable. Candidates can even rank themselves and then compare the rank to that given by the examiners. No special materials are required to conduct a GD and it can be done anywhere, any time. Thus, a GD is economical and time saving.
A Group Discussion can be Structured, Unstructured, or Specialized.
1. Structured GDs: The topic is stated and the time limit is set. No consensus is expected at the end. No leader is chosen. These are easier to handle. Topics chosen are general and do not require technical knowledge.
2. Unstructured GDs: A leader must be chosen and the group has to reach a consensus. The leader has to direct the group, set the tone for discussion and ensure that the discussion is smooth. Sometimes to make things complicated, the group is asked to decide on a topic, discuss it and reach a consensus.
3. Specialized GDs: These include role-plays or scripted GDs. Candidates are given a certain brief about a role that they need to play. Candidates are provided with the profiles of the people they are supposed to play and a subsequent situation they must deal with.
A GD monitors the level of coordination and cooperation. Your ability to work in a team comes to the fore. Do not lose your temper or appear distressed. It is a sign of inability to work in a team. The objective is to work together and accomplish the task within the time allotted.
If you can articulate and express yourself well, you will do marvelously at the GD. Of course, wide general knowledge of the subject will supply more points to talk about. Competition within the group can be tough and each candidate will try to impress all others in the group. In a bid to make a good impression and make as many points as possible, there will be overlapping, confusion, conflict of the interests and confrontation.
2 comments ↓
Good explaination….
[...] Working in groups is also useful while preparing for group discussions (GDs) and interviews. Mock GDs can be organized within the group and perspectives could be shared [...]
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