Who holds a Group Discussion?
These days, a lot of organisations (companies, institutes, business schools, etc.) use the “Group Discussion” method, also known as GD, to determine whether a candidate possesses certain personality traits like interpersonal communication skills, public speaking confidence, team spirit, leadership qualities, social behaviour, and problem-solving abilities. GDs play a significant role in the selection of candidates for employment or admission in a business or institution.
GD is focused on cooperation, embracing the opinions of various team members to achieve a shared goal, just like in a football game when you play as a team, passing the ball to each team member and aiming for a common goal. Consequently, a group discussion refers to a communication setting where members are free to express their ideas and opinions.
What is a Group Discussion?
Combining the words “group” and “discussion,” we get the phrase “group discussion.” In this context, the word “group” refers to a collection of individuals or objects that are taken as a whole, but the verb “discuss” is derived from the Latin verb “discutere,” which meaning to shake or strike.
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Thus, to “discuss” is to carefully consider the subject in order to draw a judgement. Group discussions refer to the exchange of views between participating candidates on a particular issue or topic. The aim behind it all is to get a group of people together on a single stage so they may discuss their thoughts.
Why GD is important?
- It aids in the evaluation of a participant’s effectiveness in various group settings.
- Analyzing one’s conceptualization and manoeuvring of his thoughts throughout the talk is helpful.
- Through one’s communication and interpersonal skills, listening capacity, humility, and tolerance for others’ viewpoints, it aids in analysing the candidate’s attitude toward other members.
- It aids in illuminating a candidate’s administrative and leadership abilities, ability for problem-solving, originality of thought, and breadth of knowledge.
Since teamwork is a crucial component of corporate work and business management, a person’s ability to perform well in a GD is quite important for a successful career. A GD aids in achieving both individual and group objectives. Candidates taking part in a G.D. can have their personality traits and group abilities evaluated by the examiner.
Types of Group Discussion
Group discussions are typically divided into two categories: case-based group discussions and topic-based group discussions, which are both addressed below.
Topic-Based Group Discussion: In this discussion, the candidates are given a topic on which to base their discussion. This reasoning is based on real-world job situations. The issues for this conversation fall into one of three categories: factual, controversial, or abstract (related to intangible things).
Case-Based Group Discussion: In place of subjects, short instances are given to the applicants; these cases generate questions, which they must then discuss. This will aid in evaluating the candidates’ capacity for problem-solving.
Importance of Group Discussion
For the purpose of choosing applicants, group discussions are now used in addition to personal interviews and written tests. It is crucial in choosing the best of the best. It is one of the best methods for examining applicants’ and candidates’ behavioural and attitudinal reactions. A candidate’s capacity to think, creativity, analytical skills, ability to understand a topic and then speak on it, awareness, attitude, and energy levels can all be evaluated with the aid of group discussions. Here are a few of them in more detail:
Confidence level of a candidate is evident during a group conversation due to their assertiveness. Candidates’ level of self-assurance is evaluated as they express their opinions in front of others.
Teamwork: It’s crucial to collaborate with others on a project as a team while working for a firm. This trait will be assessed through a group discussion because it is so crucial. You listen to others’ arguments as well as your own before making a final judgement.
Leadership Qualities: Group discussion makes it evident who is taking the initiative and who is being a passive competitor among all the participants. As a competent leader, you steer the conversation in the right direction and move it along if it veers off topic. This method is the sole one used to evaluate this quality.
Since communication skills are essential in every line of business, Through a planned group discussion, these are assessed.
