group discussion

 

Group Discussion (G.D)

Group discussion is a very powerful screening device to judge the fight candidate. It is part of, or a step in the entire selection process. Group discussion is resorted to for the following two reasons:

a)       To save time - by means of G.D the interviews panels can judge many candidates simultaneously.

b)     One’s behaviour in a group is vital aspect of one’s total personality. GD enables the panel to observe the candidates behaviour in a group. Every company/organization is a collection of people who work together to achieve a common goal. Therefore, to be able to work effectively in a group is the fundamental reality in organizational life. This ability increases the general all-round efficiency. In a G.D. the following are measured.

1. CONTENT:  

This is evaluated by the grip she candidate has on the topic, his depth of knowledge, originality of views and the ability to present his point of view clearly systematically and logically.

2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: 

This is displayed by the candidate’s ability to present his ideas logically and forcefully in an appropriate loud and modulated voice with proper speed of speaking and good pitch, tone and quality of voice. A good command over the language, correct choice of worked with proper pronunciation and conception accompanied by smile, eyes contact, gesture, adequate pause, will help to enhance the quality of one’s communication.

 3. PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL MATURITY:

 In a G.D. the atmosphere can become highly charged, tension and pressure builds up as the candidates vie with one another to get selected. This situation may lead to lack of consideration and insensitivity to the feelings of the other member of the group. In these circumstances some members’ income excited, emotionally charged, load argumentative and overbearing while other may become very quiet and withdraw from the discussion. The candidates that the parcel seeks are a person who is calm, unruffled, balances, in control of himself and is at the same time assertive.

4. LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 

The interviewer also assesses the leadership qualities of the candidates. There is general misconception that the person who speaks the first and the most become the leader of the group. This is not true Leadership gravitates to the person who displays his worth displays his worth though the quality, originality and the contents of his contribution. The leader also listens well and discourages silent and shy member to the offer their views. The leader also diffuses the situation in case of heated arguments. Thus, there are three specific skills which must be cultivated if a candidate wishes to enhance his effectiveness in group discussion.

5. PERSONAL SKILLS: 

The successful candidate will be a person who is relaxed, pleasant, courteous, cooperative, self-confident, assertive and has initiative. He must also have good grasp of the subject, deep knowledge and the ability to think consistent organism his thoughts logically and coherently and present facts adequately.

6. GROUP SKILLS: 

Group skills would include the ability to communicate ideas fluently and effectively. Listen, listen to logic and reason, relate to others in a group, rake sustained interest in the proceedings, See the topic from different angles and to encourage or steer the group to discuss the topic from various dimensions. Enhance the quality of discussion, to add value to the group and to build on valid paints made by others.

7. LEADERSHIP SKILLS: 

This would include the ability to draw silent member in to the discussion, to persuade, convince, influence and carry others with him, to co-ordinate and summarize. In the right of the foregoing, we can draw up a list of Do’s and Don’ts for the candidates which will enable them to perform better in a group discussion.

Some Do’s for Effective Participation in Group Discussion

1.     Display initiative

2.     Display nigh level of content/ quality

3.     Display confidence

4.     Display seriousness

5.     Display sense of humour

6.     Display team spirit

7.     Ability to defuse a situation

8.     Communicate ideas effectively

 

 

9.     Listen attentively

10.   Maintain eye-contact with most members.

11.   Smile, give pleasant vibes,              

            show warmth

12.   Be pleasant, courteous, affable and relaxed

13.   Compliment others who   speak

14.   Be natural, speak naturally do not adopt alien style/accent

15.   Be assertive

16.   Be open to new ideas

17.   Encourage all members to speak

18.   Pay attention to posture, tone of voice, dress and gestures

19.   Make everyone feel important

20.   Adhere to all instructions, twin minor

21.   Keep the discussion on the subject or bring it back to the subject

22.   Deal tactfully with irrelevantly contributions from others

23.   Try to control the persons who talks too much. See that no single person dominates

24.   Focus all your efforts and energy making points that will enhance the quality of the discussion.

25.   Develop the ability to make original points that steer the group discussing different angles/dimensions of the topic subject

 

 

SOME DON’TS FOR  EFFECTIVE  PARTICIPATION IN G.D.

1.     Don’t brag

2.     Don’t go on an ‘l’ trip

3.     Don’t arrogant

4.     Don’t BE argumentative

5.     Don’t be overbearing

6.     Don’t pull other down

7.     Don’t hurt, insult or humiliate

8.     Don’t attack others on religious, personal, regional or linguistic grounds.

9.     Don’t dominate the conversation

10. Don’t bully others

11.  Don’t be aggressive

12.  Don’t use slang/foul language

13.   Don’t interrupt others

14.   Don’t shout down others

15.  Don’t be overdressed

16.   Don’t use abbreviations

17.   Don’t harp on small points obscuring critical issues.

18.  Avoid personal arguments

19.  Avoid sub grouping tendencies, candidates who lack self confidence generally tend to converse with other members instead of talking to the group directly.