Group Discussions I : Group Discussions I By Noopur Gupta
Conducting GDs : Conducting GDs While there is a great deal of variety in the methodology of conducting a Group Discussion, let's discuss the methodology commonly used for B-School selections.
Normally 8-10 students are taken as a group, though in some cases, up to 16 people may be included in a group. The GD lasts for 10-15 minutes.
For a topic-based GD, 2-3 minutes of thinking time may be given; though the group is often told to start right away. For case studies, however, about 15 minutes is given.
Conducting GDs cont…. : Conducting GDs cont…. The evaluation is done by one or two experts, usually professors from the B-School itself. Please remember that these people are experts with a lot of experience and can be counted upon to observe all details, even if the GD is chaotic.
The candidates may be seated in a circle or in a rectangular arrangement, with or without a table. Seating arrangements may be prefixed or there may be free seating.
The discussion may be stopped at the set time or even earlier. A conclusion or consensus may be asked for, though it usually does not occur. A written or oral summary may asked for at the end from each candidate.
Types of GD : Types of GD Topic based GDs can be classified into three types :-
Factual Topics
Controversial Topics 3. Abstract Topics
Factual Topics : Factual Topics Factual Topics:-Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of and sensitive to his environment.E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the nation.
Controversial Topics : Controversial Topics Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate controversy. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional.E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers
Abstract Topics : Abstract Topics Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The number 10
How to face GD : How to face GD Communication Skills
Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
Capability to co-ordinate and lead
Exchange of thoughts
Addressing the group as a whole
Thorough preparations
What do the panelists assess? : What do the panelists assess? How good you are at communication with others.
How you behave and interact with group.
How open minded are you.
Your listening skill.
How you put forward your views.
Your leadership and decision making skills.
Your analysis skill and subject knowledge.
Problem solving and critical thinking skill.
Your attitude and confidence.
SUMMARIZE/CONCLUSION : SUMMARIZE/CONCLUSION Most GD do not really have conclusions. A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favor or against the topic.
But every GD is summarized. You can summaries what the group has discussed in the GD in a nutshell.
Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion: : Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion: Avoid raising new points.
Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.
Keep it brief and concise.
It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.