CHAPTER

12 Group Discussions

TeaningO5jecive After reading this chapter, you will b2 able to

selection process
understand what group discussion is and how important it is in the
initiation, body lan-
learn in detail about the various personalitytraits, namely awareness,
confidence, etc. that are assessed during group discussions
guage, paralinguistic features,
discussions
familiarize with the different types of group
yourself for group
understand how to have an effective opening and a prover conclusion a

discussion
leader in a group
learn how to perform as a team player and also emerge as a

1 2 . 1 INTRODUCTION

important step in the selection

(GDs) are now being used
as an
discussions
Group as an effec-
and government organizations. Regarded
of candidates both in private
besides job interviews, a GD plays a pivotal
tive tool in the recruitment process for the same
candidates from mary who apply
role in selecting the most suitable of
as a tool to study
the behavioural and attitudinal responses
is also used
post. It
the participants.
1 2 . 2 DEFINITION
who sit
A GD is a formal discussion which
involves six to fifteen participants method-
for this purpose. It is a
in a group to disçuss a topic
or
a case given
candidate possesses certain
organization to gauge whether a
ology used by an
of him/her. It is like a
football or
traits and/or skills that are desired
personality team players and aim for
the players pass the ball to theiz
hockey game where all which has beter coordination and
skills
a c o m m o n goal.
In these games, the team
case with GDs. In GDs,
the group members have to
wins the game and so is the
or case threadbare as a
as to discuss the topic
interpret, analyse, and argue, so
team.

12.3 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GD AND DEBATE

to speak
as a formal debate. In a debate, you are supposed
A GD is not the same members of the
motion. In GDs, on the other hand, all the
either for or against a
 GROUP ISCUSSIONS 28
286 cOMMUNICATION SKILLSs
and hgures to lend credence and convictin
ction to
discussion, use facts
group are expected to deliberate upon the issue While participating in a
example:
arguments, as is
shown in the following
extensively, and it is possible for any of them your

to
change their stand if they find themselves and Kashmir is the prob
unrest in Jammu
convinced about the other side of the terrorism and
perspective. Friends,I think itis wrong to assume that statistics from 1985 to 2001, you
can
This kind of alteration in the stance does not find look at the
alone. If you take a
lem of the last one decade of innocent people were
killed
a place in debates where those who tens of thousands
even during those years,
speak for the easily observe that over 75,000
Kashmiris had been killed
motion or against it Pakistan once claimed that
prepare their argument well in such incidents. In fact,
casualties was around 30,000.
In
the total number of
in advance, and the
contestant is not supposed to between 1985 and 2001. India holds that
proves that the problem is of a chronic
argue for both the sides. Such is not the case in number of casualties conclusively
any case, such a large
GDs, where the discussion just evolves naturally nature.
without anything to be proved, from the onset.
has said.
The very nature ofGD, therefore, demands flex statistics lends credence to what the participant
As you can see in this situation, citing facts and
ibility on the part of the participants, and a lack awareness. So, supporting your arguments with
It also shows the speaker's general
of it, or a
consequent stubbornness or igidity is figures always helps.
Group Discussion seen as a serious flaw in their
personality.
12.4 NUMBER AND DURATION 12.5.2 Leadership
on all its nuances and tries
to
An effective leader discusses the topic assertively by touching
In a formal GD, there are in GDs is n e v e r pre-defined. It is
six to fifteen members in a group and they are asked to sit in a cir- help the group reach the objective of the GD. Leadership
cular, semi-circular, or U-shaped seating style (senate room in a GD. A person aspir
through the person's performance that he/she emerges as leader
a

unfamiliar to each other. They are given

sitting). They may be familiar or
fifteen to forty-five minutes to discuss a topic or a case ing for that, however, must display leadership qualities such a[ clarity, objectivity, perception,
study depending on its nature. leader would be someone who facilitates discussion on
poise, and communication skills.So, a
a GD topic in a constructive manner. A leader shows direction to the group whenever the group
12.5 PERSONALITY TRAITS TO BE EVALUATED different team members in
drifts away from the topic. He/she coordinates the efforts made by
Following are the most important personality traits that a candidate should possess to do well the GD. He/she also contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights. He/she
continuously inspires and motivates his/her team members to express their views. Being
a mere
in GDs:
coordinator in a GD does not help, because it is a secondary role. So, a leader should not only
Reasoning ability Assertiveness Attentive listening contribute to the GD with his/her ideas and opinions, but also try and steer the conversation
Leaderstip Initiative Awareness towards a goal.)
Openness Motivation

12.5.3 Openness
12.5.1 Reasoning Ability In GDs, you must be open to the ideas of others as well as to the evaluation of your own

If you possess good reasoning skills, it helps you express your ideas and opinions in a con ideas-that is what fiexibility is all about. For example, presume that the topic of a GD is
Vincing and ralional manner.
"

golden rule is that when you present your ideas with proper Military Services are Notjor Homen. While discussing a controversial topic such as this, some
reasoningand argurment, you have a better score.) otc be0Pirg participants tend to get emotional about the topic and take a stand either in favour or against the
The
following example serves to suggest how to rationally express your viéys on the topic topic, that is, announcing "Yes, omen are not meant for military services', or declaring 'No,
Democracy is the Best Form of Government. Women to0 can contribute significantly even in military services.' Whatever stand you might
have taken, if you encounter an opposition with a very strong point, you end up in a typical
hckle-minded whimsical
catch-22 situation. If you change your stand, you are seen as a or a

person. If you do not change your stand, you are seen as an inflexible, stubborn, and obstinate
Friends, in my view, compared to any other form of governance, there is a greater possibility of peace, and not averse to either side of the view,
person. However, if you maintain a stand that is open
justice, and ha mony in a democratic set-up. In democratic governments, people are connected with
the system directly as well as indirectly at every level, and it provides maximum opportunity to people
it will reflect your openness. In fact, denying the possibility of a change is always suggestive of
for development. Above all, the people In authority are answerable to the common people. I think
dogmatism.
that is why, a bg portion of the world today happens to be under a democratic system of governance.
 GROUP DISCUSSIONS 289

288 COMMUNICATION SKILLS of a GD. Following are

crucial to the success
and leadership, both of which are
group etiquette to exhibit your positive
group etiquette:
12.5.4 Assertiveness should keep in mind
some of the points you approach-
co-participants find you
and confident manner. approachable It is important that your often left out in
YOu must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic, positive, and
Being friendly to talk to. People who are grumpy, haughty, or impassive are
is all about forc and learn how
Participants often confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness. Aggressiveness able and easy
section in the CD accompanying
the book,
which can be threat to the group. An aggressive person Take a look at the GD
group activities.
a
ing your point on the other person, situations.
whereas an assertive person in group
forth point, a friendly approach helps you the message that you
care
uses negative body language while putting his/her
c a n send oit
non-verbal language you
and listening to others. with your
positive body language, both while speaking Remember, even
displays that you are friendly and approachable,
for what others have to say;
from co-participants Only
a cooperative
and conducive envi
12.5.5 Initiative Encouraging participation in a GD. What do you
members
GD to get initial benefit of the points. But
that is a high
ronment will encourage healthy
participation from the group dominated by other ort
Participants have a tendency to start a
the discussion at all o r
is
well-versed with the topic. If does not contribute to
should initiatc a GD only if you
are !
do when a participant say
risk-high return strategy. You the impression that you started the tries to say something?
Would you ignore him/her or would yousilent
you start and fail to
contribute at regular intervals, it gives participants when he/she should try and encourage the
if you fumble or stammer, it may work against to encourage such a participant? Surely,
one

GD just for the sake of the initial points. Also, something

is a definite spoilsport.) his/her views.
and prejudiced beginning participantto present
you. Moreover, a choppy, cluttered, appreciated. Even if you disagree
with

Not hurting anyone Humility is a virtue that is always Since such

should never rebuff or belittle
the other person.
12.5.6 Motivation what a co-participant is saying, you to be humble, though assertive.
try to encourage the
inert participants. This
behaviour finds takers neither
in GDs nor in real life, it i best
In order to exhibit good leadership skills, always
to
more keen to speak rather a difference of opinion,
but that does not give you the right
Remember that you may have
are
seen that in GDs, participants
will reflect your positive trait. It is test your language skills and general
of them try to speak for most of
the time. This, however, others. GDs are held not just to
than listen to others. Similarly, many raise your voice or ridicule situations. Your presence of mind, humil-
good team member not only tackle the varied
knowledge, but also to see how you
a leader and
is a negative trait of one's personality. Remember, and respond to impromptu
situations are also
in the discussion but also encourages
others to do so.
tolerance, and ability to adapt
ity, tranquility,
participates exercises.)
F

under a scanner in such group

lead-
GD is to test your team skills and
12.5.7 Attentive Listening Not being dominative or
dismissive Since a meant
ideas with facts, figures,
This will help you in two other qualities, it is good to support your
when they present their views.
You should listen carefully to others
you can get your
ideas ership qualities, apart from emphasize an idea beyond the point
understand the ideas presented and second, not try to dominate others or
ways. First, it will help you Remember, data, and experiences. But do Picture this
another person's point of view to score points.
ascertain their validation.
turm enables you to critically of tolerance. Also, don't dismiss
analysed by others, which in in a GD.
listener who can present
himself/herself as a good speaker
situation where one person in the group
tries to dominate another.
it is only
a good
who create rumours, always try to
ParticipantI don't think global warming going have all. Those
kill
12.5.8 Awareness is to us

been made about the end of life onin very

this
be it a political, religious, Even in the past, predictions
that are happening around you, exaggerate the facts.
You must be aware of the things flying planes,
are required to be aware of that. do tackle global warming? Can you stop moving in cars,
financial, or social development.
As an educated person, you
and proper analysis in GDs.
earth And what can yóu to
all that we cannot survive without? I don't
Your awareness helps you provide proper
examples, adequate facts, running. industries, using mobiles, air conditioners, and
So, it i_ your perspective don't think we need to create Such a fuss about global warming.
Moreover, it is not about just being
aware but also about having
a view.
think what you are saying is practical.I -

which actually matters in

GDs.
aware of something
of the issue and not just your being vaguely
really dismissive in his/her attitude. Now look how the
you can feel that the speaker
was
Here,
12.6 DYNAMICS OF GROUP
BEHAVI10UR/GROUP ETIQUETTE AND MANNERISMS
same argument can be said in a better way:
discussion-the behaviour of the group
or presentation or
In any group task-be it project
a
difference of opinions and go off the said hat global warming may not
the group members tend to have Participant Recently, I read an editorial in The Times of India that
really matters. At times, in mind, and bring the dis- instances when such predictions
to keep the purpose, goal, or task be as disastrous as it is projected to be. The author had also quoted
track now and then. t is important because as a participant
This is the shared responsibility of all, were made in the past about bigger disasters
but nothing of that sort happened. That, of course, is one
cussion back to the stated focus.
point of view. There are others who have a completely different opinion. Therefore, we simply how
in a smooth and proper cannot
has to ensure that the
discussion takes place
in a GD, every member view, and team spirit
demeanour, supportive attitude, balanced brush aside all this concern in a whiff of over-confidence. I think we need carefully
to analyse
mannerLogical ideas, poised of a successful GD. Besides these, however well drastically we have to change our lifestyle, in order to be able to live up to the demanding adjustments
are some of the
most important ingredients
that about perpetually without ever and sacrifices, if at all we have to stem the tide.
leader is a rudderless ship moves
behaved, a group without a section highl1ghts the importance of proper
at the destination.
Therefore, the following
arriving
290 cOMMUNICATION SKILLS GROUP DISCUssiONS291

As you can see, this participant speaks in a calm and collected

manner and does not harp on too much on
defence. After all, it is the question of our
his/her view. Nether does he/she ridicule or override Participant 1:No, I don't think India is spending
any other participant's view, though it is boundaries.
sovereignty. We need to protect
our
clear that the position he/she has taken is Do you know that the
different from others. Always remember, in a GD it the cost of keeping o u r people hungry!
iS not about
right or wrong arguments, it is about how convincing you sound and how well you Participant 2: And that should be done at millions?
border can give food to
billions of rupees we spend in protecting
our
are able to deliver
your argument. countries to enter o u r territories and cap-
Participant 1: So, what should we do? Allow neighbouring
Avoiding emotions Emotions are common and natural to human nature. However, it is not
ture our land? Make us their slaves?
desirable to overplay your emotions, but let our people die!
particularly in a GD. A surfeit of emotions makes a person Participant 2: So, we should protect our borders
irrational. It is best, therefore, to
stay calm even when Participant 1: Is it only because of expenditure defence that our people go hungry?
on
provoked. Do not make any
persona
comments during GDs. Participant 2: Yes, of course, what else?
Read the follcwing example to observe how the in this situation loses her cool
and reacts to her co-participant's attitude:
participant
A heated debate like this must be avoided. Otherwise,
it can create a bad impression about
But sometimes it so happens that two people are so much in appre-
Participant 1: You know, l agree with all this women's liberation thing, but you see, sometimes, women you and your co-participant.
ciation of each other's views that they forget that they are in a GD and there are other partici-
take this liberation thing a little to0
seriously. I mean, a baby needs her mother more than her father.
So, a woman will have to compromise and may be even have to pants aswell. Such lopsided expressions of admiration and depreciation should both be avoided.
give up her job after she has a baby.
Men can't be expected to give up It is seen at times that members lose sight of the original purpose and may get sidetracked.
their jobs and sit at home and take care of babies... it doesn't help.
Ariving at a decision can thus be a difficult process for a group. Sometimes,
groups resort to
Here, another participant responds by saying the voting to decide issues. When possible, it is useful to work towards achieving a consensus or
following in an intensely emotional and ag conclusion. Group members should respect each other, and each person should recognize the
tated tone. She responds thus:
potential contributions made by the others, The two most common types of people affecting a
group's effectiveness are the persons who dominate and the persons who remain silent. Each
Participant 2: You such
chauvinist! Do you think children are only the
person should realize how he/she can contribute to the solution. It can be as difficult to get the
are a

mother and not the father? Tell me, what is

responsibilities of the
wrong if men sit at home and look after babies? You think quiet person to speak as it is to get the talkative person to talk less. It is the group's responsibil-
a woman's
professional career is not important to her? What if she too wants to become rich, famous,
and important in life? Why should she alone ity to help manage the group's dynamics; for example, to help the shy person contribute, and to
put a break in her career because of the baby?
help the dominant person make time for others to speak. It is because of such peculiarities of
group etiquette that a leader's space is naturally created in a group.
This lady here is
completely overcome by emotions, and because of this, she is not able to Leadership As suggested earlier, a group without a leader can be as wayward as a ship without
convey her views clearly. Let us see how similar views can be expressed in a more graceful and
a captain. Since in a GD no one walks in with a designated tag to be the leader of the group, anyone
composed manner can emerge as the leader, provided he/she showcases some such qualities during the discussion.
Now, what makes a leader? Ofcourse, there can't be a defined formula to suggest what makes this
magical concoction. However, there are certain attributes. Some of these are as follows:
Participant 3: I think just like men, women too crave for equality, economic independence, and
rec
ognition at the workplace. Their contribution in the workplace is as important as that of their male Clarity Composure Patience
colleagues. Objectivity
And as far as babies are concerned, they
huge responsibility of both the parents.
Times have changed and there are a lot of cases where men have
are a
Discernment > the h y
Erudition-he
Maturity
qualtyMotivation
wilingly agreed to be house-
husbands and are taking care of the kids while the woman earns for the
family. It is a decision which
has to be taken Ey the couple as to who can afford to take a break from work or
Expression oudae Amiability
whether they could
alternatively take a break from work, or whether help can be hired and both can continue to work. Oell real kno edo or
So, my friend, I would say that there is nothing like men can't take care of kids; and that it is
only
12.7 TYPES onAKchot
women

already.
who kncw how to do it. Times have
changed and a lot of men around you are doing it GDs of two types:
are +heualey oow end
1. Topic-based 2. Case-based
Topic-based GDs can be divided into three types: Crenåuhec)
Avoiding peer discussion A GD is to test your team skills. Hence, whatever
meant
infor
mation you intend to share, it should be addressed to the entire
i) Factualtopies i y Abstract topics i i ) Controversial topics
group and not to one or two
members. Don't start talking or arguing with one or
two members ignoring others, something Factual topics Mostly groups are given topics which are factual in nature. These are related
that the two participants are doing in the following GD: to day-to-day socio-economic facts or environmental issues. For example, Growth of Tourism
in India and Higher Education in India factual topics.
do T ore trn ub Arou are
 GAOUP DIScussiONS 293
292 cOMMUNICATION SKILLS
conscious? Is the
Abstract topics Abstract topics are in India? Are we not quality
given at the higher level. These are usually intangible in competition. Is the change quality really happening
in
What is our mindset
towards quality?
nature. You need to approach these topics with innovative and lateral thinking. For example. trade not reflection of our quality goods?
growth in our foreign
a
away with substandard
of'chalta haY lets people get
topics such as Blue is Better than Green, All are Egual but Some are More Equal than Others our Indian attitude
We also need to see how far to adhere to global
stand-
is forcing our industry
Money Makes You Poor, etc. are some abstract topics. products and services. So friends! Today competition
are getting there in terms of quality..
ards, so we
Controversial topics These topics are controversial in nature. Participants are bound to have
divided opinions. These topics are given so as to observe the maturity level of participants on
such issues. You should not lose your temper or give a narrow interpretation of issues being dis-
12.9 SUMMARIZING A DIScUSSiON
cussed. For example, you may be asked to discuss debatable issues such as Reservation should the GD,
so isits ending.
If you plan to conclude
be Abolished in India or Women are Unfitfor Defence Services. Just the beginning of a GD is crucial,
as only your
n e w points. You
should not state
Case studies-based discussion These are real-life simulated situations. Usually, these involvec You should avoid raising
keep it brief and conciseshould discussed by the whole group.)
try include to major points
the
some kind of problems which are to be resolved. The key to such topics is that there is no right viewpoint. In fact, you and annoying
Moreover, án abrupt ending in a GD is perplexing
or wrong answer, but your approach to the solution is highly important. comes to an end:
discussion
See how badly this

12.8 OPENING OF A GD Is there arything else?

No? So, we can
have covered all the points. (Looks around)
It is seen at times that some participants try to open the GD in a hurry. They think that Participant 1: So, we
one
who opens the discussion surely gets selected or gets better marks. This is a wrong notion. In
the conclude that all of us here feel that womens lib is certainly a fib.

fact, despite your zeal to start the discussion on a fiyer, you should openthe GD only when you
and abrupt? Consider
have enough points to set it in motion. Any of the partic1pants can initiate
the discussion, but discussion to be choppy, unconvinzing,
Don't you find the ending in this
always try to speak and contribute as early as possible. Many GDs fail to develop because of a better one:
poor beginnings or hasty endings. Many a time, a speaker initiates the discussion without real-
zing that he/she does not know enough about the topic. Take a look at how an opening sounds us believe
enough facts and instances which make
when the speaker begins without any preparation: Participant 2: Friends, I guess we have explored ethics in modern times, the task is both
that though it is not easy.to.harmonize business and
together
I think we
sacrifice, and patience. On this aote of optimism,
possible.and desirable with some efforts,
Participant 1: Good morning, we are here to discuss the topic Cloning should be Banned. In this regard, can bring the discussion to an end. Thank you! .

I feel that cloning as such is not bad. I don't think it needs to be banned.

on one aspect of the GD. It must incor-

While concluding, also remember not to reflect only
come out during the GD. If the examiner asks you
to
Don't you think the discussion has ended before it began? Consider this as an alternative begin- that have
porate all the important points the GD has
to an end. Do not add anything once
ning for the same discussion. summarize a GD, it means the GD has come
been summarized.

Participant 2:Friends, good morning. We are here to discuss the topicCloningshould beBanned.Aswe
Take a look at this example on the topic Formation
of Telanganc:A New State.
all know, doning is a
technique of producingidentical copies of cells ör organisms
first animal to be successfully cloned was Dolly, the sheep. In light o
from body cels The
we need tó discuss points
: T
discussed the back-
of the group discussion
Participant 1: Nowit's time to sum up: At the outsetback
we
such as-Does cloning hold new promises for the future? If yes, whar are they? if no, what are the in December 1953, the States Reorganization
ground of the problem. As we have discussed, way
major threats it may pose to humanity? Are the fears so great that cloning should be banned?
Commission was appointed to prepare for the
creation of states on linguistic liries. The States
Reorganization Commission (SRC) was not in favour
of an immediate merger of the Telangana region
had a
Here, the participant has not only introduced the topic by providing the background but also with the Andhra state, despite the common language bétweeñ the two. The Telangana people state
raised pertinent questions to steer the discussion. Given below is another such beginning that
number of complaints. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (8JP)promisada separateTelangana
if they came to power in 1990.The Congress party MLAs from theTelanganaregion, supported a sepa-
sets a GD moving appropriately: rate Telangana state and formed the Telangana Congress Legislators Forum.In another development,
a new party caled Telangana Rashtra Samithi (or TRS) was formed with the single-point agenda of cre-
ating a separate Telangana state. While tracing the history, we have also found that there was pressure
Participant 1: Good morning friends! We have been asked to discuss the topic Quality is a Myth In
tndia. In other words, it means that we are unable to sustain our products and services agalnst global (Contd)

(Contd)