What is a Group Discussion?
Group Discussion, a “group” is a collection of people who regularly communicate, engage, and collaborate to accomplish a common set of objectives. The process of exchanging information or ideas face-to-face between two or more individuals is referred to as “discussion.” The final result, or goal, could be greater information, agreement that leads to action, disagreement that sparks competition or a solution, or it could be nothing more than a clearing of the air or the maintenance of the status quo.
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.
How is a Group Discussion Conducted?
A group using this practise typically has 7–12 individuals. The group of applicants is presented with a subject or a scenario that may be factual, abstract, or case-based, and is normally given some time to reflect and take notes on the same. After then, the group of applicants is instructed to have a private discussion about the subject for between 10 and 40 minutes (which may vary from one organisation to another). While the group discusses the pertinent topic at hand, the panellists and moderators discreetly assess each candidate according to a number of pre-established criteria. Each applicant receives a score from the panellists based on both his or her performance as an individual and as a member of the group.
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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. It is the systematic sharing of knowledge, ideas, and viewpoints regarding a subject, issue, problem, or circumstance among group members who have similar goals.
Why is a “Group Discussion” conducted?
Group discussions have gained popularity as a new tool for evaluating a candidate’s soft abilities. The candidates who made the cut for further consideration after taking written tests were chosen due to their aptitude and knowledge. However, new instruments, including GD, were developed to assess applicants’ social and interpersonal skills in light of the importance of emotional intelligence. Organizations use GDs to determine whether a candidate possesses the necessary traits or competencies to contribute successfully to the goal-accomplishment process.
Why GD is important?
It aids in determining whether a candidate is a good fit for the company.
It aids in the evaluation of a participant’s effectiveness in various group settings.
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.
It helps to judge how one conceptualises and manoeuvres his thoughts during the dialogue.
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. It is essentially a scenario test wherein a sample of a candidate’s group suitability and employment prospects are fairly clearly revealed.
