Group Discussion

Definition:

The literal meaning of the word ‘discuss’ is ‘to talk about a subject in detail’. So group discussion may refer to a communicative situation that allows its participants to express views and opinions to other participants.

It is a systematic oral exchange of information, views, and opinions about a topic, issue, problem, or situation among members of a group who share certain common objectives.

But I think Group Discussion is like dissembling the topic into the different pros and cons and finally create strategy or take decision on the basis of those parts.

Different Scenario:

Group discussion term come in focus when we need to make a decision about any topic. There are two main scenarios which are important:

1. Group Discussion at the time of job: when the company have more candidates for limited job vacancies. They conduct GD to see the intellectual level of the candidate. There are several qualities which can be reflected by the GD e.g.: Communication skills, Leadership etc.

2. Group Discussion in the Company: when some company have an issue whether it is marketing related or company’s policy related, they call upon the decision takers and have a GD. By this discussion they come up with the pros and cons for that decision. Which help them to decide.

My Company:

Here I am taking the importance of Group Discussion in my own company for example, www.makemoneyabc.com.

As I mentioned before there are two main scenarios related to group discussion, now I will elaborate those two scenarios:

1. Screening employees:

If I am an owner of a company my first priority will be maximizing profit with available resources. And employee is the most important resource of its company. If employees are not skilled than they will not produce effective output, which is not good for a company. So as an owner I am looking forward for best professionals which can fit into their required job profile.

That’s why now a day, company as well as education institutes introduce the Group Discussion in their recruitment process.

a) Importance of GD:

In the recruitment scenario, As I have to decide the credibility and sincerity of the applicants. I need to go through some screening process but due to shortage of time we can’t interview each and everyone. So in short time of span we can judge more applicants.

b) Qualities which I am looking for:

As I mentioned earlier, as a good manager I am looking for following qualities in an employee:

- Team spirit

- Communication Skills

- Reasoning ability

- Grip on the topic

- Leadership

- Listening

- Creativity

I think first point to take decision is the knowledge of that topic, so if someone is speaking confidently and correct it shows his intelligence. Communication is also important factor as to convey your views you have to speak, and if you are not good in that whatever knowledgeable person no one cares. Applicant should be a good leader as he has to take care of the whole team’s views, creativity and good listening will help him to do so, as a good leader you have to come up with innovative ideas and lead the entire group to final decision, and yes, you have to be good listener because in a group discussion sometimes it helps you to give new points and based on the opponent’s view you can get more clear picture of the topic.

2. Decision Making on issues:

In the second scenario, suppose we need to take decision about a new product launch, so if as owner I take decision without consulting others about this decision then it may be possible that it can create a lot of problems to the future of the company, may be it can cause me a great loss, may be it can create a dispute in the company’s investors. So before taking any decision it is necessary to take the consideration of other’s views which can be easily accomplished by having a group discussion where I can invite top authorities and the expertise people of that people, this GD will lead me to have a list of all pros and cons related to that issue. On basis of that I can finally decide whether I should go for that option or not.

Important point for Good Group Discussion:

After discussing my company scenario, now I would like to put focus on few points which can lead you to be good in the GD:

- Prepare the topic: if you are aware of topic then before starting discussion do some homework on that topic, it will make you ahead of your competitor.

- Argue your point of view politely and convincingly: it is true that you have to make others convinced with your view but it doesn’t mean you will lose your temper and shouting on them, remember Attack the point not the person.

- Listen to others patiently: always give respect to other’s point of view, whenever someone speaking don’t interrupt in between his statement. Listening will also help you know understand the topic more clearly.

- Adjust/modify your own views: sometime you may find that other’s points are making your conventions more stronger, in that case try to adjust them so that you can link your views to others.

- Try to be Creative: if the discussion is getting hot due to the deadlock at a particular point, then try to introduce some new point which will lead the discussion out of that deadlock situation. This quality shows your leadership.

- Interrupt politely: whenever you are disagree with some one then interrupt him politely and put your point clearly.

- Make suggestions: you can also suggest others about their opinion, so that they can modify their views it shows that you are compatible in team.

Conclusion:

In the end of this report, what I can say about Group Discussion is, GD is a process to analyze something. It is a way which can give the exact reflection of a person, and also help you to have each and every aspect of the topic.