Group Discussion (GD) what is it?

A group discussion (GD) is a type of interactive, oral communication which takes

place when a group of people get together to discuss something. Formal GDs are
increasingly used as a tool to identify candidates with the right abilities, either
for employment or for admission to various courses.

Why are GDs conducted?

In GDs mainly to determine the candidate’s group-worthiness. Each candidate

will be assessed on the following factors:

1. The ability to fit into the group.

2. The ability to influence the group.
3. The ability to solve problems.
4. The ability to communicate effectively.
5. The ability to remain calm and composed in a stressful situation.
6. The ability to stay positive irrespective of his/her views being accepted or
rejected.

Types of GD

GDs can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types:-

1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics
3. Abstract 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 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 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

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Case-based Gd:-
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic. The case study tries to simulate a
real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you and you would be
asked as a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect
answers or perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to think about
the situation from various angles. IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-
based discussion rather than topic-based discussion in their selection procedures.

FEATURES OF A GOOD “GD”

Effective communication.

In-depth discussion.

Cooperative and friendly atmosphere

Equal participation

Arriving at a broad consensus

Emergence of a leader

MAIN PARTS OF A GD

A GD can have three main parts. As soon as the members are seated, there should be
mutual inturoductions. Each candidate will introduce him/herself by saying a few
words about him/her, such as name, place of residence, educational qualifications,
hobbies, etc.,

A. initiation: - Initiating a GD effectively is important as it breaks the ice and sets

forth the ideas and tone which have a lot of bearing on the direction that the
discussion takes. Anyone in the group can take the initiative to start the discussion.
Initiating a GD is both advantageous and risky.

WAY TO INITIATION:-

a. using proverbs/sayings

b. using definitions

c. using questions/rhetorical questions

d. using anecdotes

e. using quotes

f. using shock statements

B. Continuation:- it is not enough to start off successfully, but you must continue
contributing to the discussion in a meaningful way until the end of the GD.

WAY TO CONTINUATION:-

a. turn taking

b. referring to others’ discussion

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 c. to agree/ disagree

d. focusing on the topic/theme

e. exploring different perspectives

f. carrying the discussion to a logical end

C. Conclusion:- a GD might or might not have a clear conclusion. But it is very likely
that someone or the other in the group will summarise what the group has discussed.

WAY TO CONCLUSION:-

a. summary should contain all the major points that were discussed.

b. Be brief and concise

c. Don’t add any new points.

WHAT DO EVALUATORS LOOK FOR?

A. communication skills

a. Fluency of language.

b. The use of clear, concise and error-free language.

c. The use of right accent and intonation

d. The use of vocal variety

e. The fight match between language and body language.

f. Expressing thoughts clearly and giving no room for ambiguity.

B. Knowledge of the topic

a. range of ideas and depth of thoughts

b. presentation of details in support of main points

c. Error-free presentation of facts avoiding doubtful quantitative figures

and numbers.

d. Exploring the topic in depth.

e. Command over the topic and the various ideas discussed.

C. Body language

a. eye contact

b. facial expression

c. gestures

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 d. posture

PERSONALITY TRAITS:

D. leadership:

a. taking initiative and starting the discussion

b. giving direction to the discussion

c. summing up at regular intervals

d. bringing the group back when it deviates/digresses from the

topic

e. involving the shy and hesitant members in the discussion

f. giving cohesion to the points expressed by the members

E. Reasoning/analytical ability:

a. the use of sound and logical arguments

b. the use of relevant examples and illustrations

c. The use of multiple perspectives/outlooks.

F. Ability to influence:

a. persuading members to see the relevance of your views

b. creating the right impression on the group

c. ability to motivate and sell ideas

d. convincing arguments

G. Flexibility:

a. flexibility in the approach ( changing or revising stand/ideas, if

necessary)

b. readiness to accept the weaknesses of arguments.

c. Ability to accept criticism gracefully.

d. Consideration for others

e. Not being one-track minded or rigid

H. Assertiveness

a. being forceful, confident and firm in your expressions.

b. Ability to stand up to bullying

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 c. Faith/conviction in viewpoints

d. Saying “yes” when you want to, and saying “no” when you
mean “no”

e. Having the confidence to defend your position, even if it

provokes conflict

f. Understanding how to negotiate in tricky situations.

I. Creativity:

a. Coming up with novel ideas/solutions

b. Exploring different perspectives

c. Suggesting new angles for discussion

• Do's
1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear
you speak.
3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
5. Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
6. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or
agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
7. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If
you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating
the discussion will be in vain.
8. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are
more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.
9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points
across clearly and fluently.
10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion
and analysis.
11. Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay
objective: Don't take the discussion personally.
12. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I
disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One
difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"
13. Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to
speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to
say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let
us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive
to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
14. If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion
where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
15. Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their
alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a
team without alienating certain members, and creativity.

Don’ts
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Don’t speak too loudly

Don’t shout at others.

Don’t adopt a negative attitude that results in counter arguments.

Don’t look at the members of the group casually and carelessly.

Don’t talk too fast or too slow.

Do not be shy, hesitant or inhibited.

Do not engage yourself in asides or subgroup conversations. If more than one individual is
talking at the same time, politely request for order and appeal of cooperation.

Do not bluff, if someone proves you wrong, just accept it.

Do not keep looking at the evaluatior (S) or address yourself to evaluator(s).

Do not feel offended or sulky, if someone picks up flaws in your arguments.

Do not use gestures excessively.

Do not make your points repetitive.

Do not use long sentences.

Do not dominate or monopolies the discussion.

Do not be a problem to the group.

Do not interrupt suddenly.

Engineering GD Topics

• Is China a threat to the Indian software industry?

• Role of UN in peacekeeping.
• Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
• Environment Management.
• Is China better than India in software?
• Govt contribution to IT
• is china a threat to Indian industry
• India or west , which is the land of opportunities
• water resources should be nationalized
• "BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY"
• Effect of cinema on Youth
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 • Education in India compared to Foreign nations
• What is the effect of movies on youth? is it good or bad)
• Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad?
• "UN's peace activities" and "America's war on Iraq".
• "Environment-Who’s Responsibility".
• US war on Iraq-justified or not.
• Role of UN in Peace keeping
• War on Iraq
• About Hockey being the primary game in India.
• Can America occupy Iraq
• IS CHINA A THREAT TO INDIA
• Present state of Indian Cricket team
• Advantages of Co-education.
• How to deal with international terrorism.
• Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
• Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
• A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.
• Is Globalization Really Necessary?
• What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?
• Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy.
• Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture.
• What India needs is a Dictatorship.
• With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.
• Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and
personality.
• Beauty contests degrade womanhood
• The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India
• Six billion and one bronze!
• Is dependence on computers a good thing?
• Should the public sector be privatised?
• China and India are similar nations with contrasting ways
• Is India a Soft Nation?
• Value based politics is the need of the hour
• Religion should not be mixed with politics
• How to deal with high oil prices
• Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing
• Why cant we be world players in industry as we are in software?
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 • Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
• Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).
• Should there be private universities?
• Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture?
• Public sector is more a hindrance than help to promote socialism.
• Economic betterment of the poorer nations is as important as disarmament to
ensure lasting world peace.
• From public sector to privatization as in the U.K., is the right answer for India's
instant economic breakthrough.
• The doctrine of "limited nuclear war" is an ill-convinced, ill- logical, irrational and
extremely dangerous concept.
• Some simple but effective electoral reforms will enable us to retain the present
parliamentary system and ensure the preservation of democracy in India.
• Nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.
• Private enterprise and not public sector will contribute to faster and higher
economic growth in India
• Inflation is inevitable in our developing country.
• The policy of reservation is a legacy of the British and it has done more harm than
good.
• For a marketing post graduate, without prior work experience working in a big
marketing firm is a disadvantage when compared with working in a small firm.
Discuss.
• Consumerism is destroying the social fabric of Indian culture
• Free market is a prerequisite for growth.
• Cricket as a national obsession is a detriment to other sports.
• To develop India has to empower women.
• .Formulate the government's health policy to control the spread of AIDS.
• Advertising is a waste of resources.
• Privatization will lead to less corruption.
• State is the biggest violator of human rights.
• There can never be a classless society.
• Voting rights to illiterates in India is illogical because it is widely misused.
• Joint family is a blessing in disguise
• Higher education should be made possible only for those who can pay for it.
• Women cannot successfully combine both career and home
• Women are good managers.
• Executive should be allowed to form unions.

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 • Effect of liberalization on poverty.
• Indians perform better as individuals rather than in groups.
• Business and ethics go hand in hand, or do they?
• Developing countries should spend more on development than on defense.
• Political parties have outlived their utility.
• Is Swadeshi relevant for India today?
• Money is required to earn more money.
• Foreign trade is necessary for any country to survive
• Presidential Vs Parliamentary form of government of India.
• Technology: The Ism' Of The New Millennium?
• Religion And Politics Should Not Mix
• State Interventions In Market Kind Or Mixed Economy
• Science Is A Boon Or Bane
• Is Swapping Terrorists For Hostages An Encouragement For Plane- Hijackers?
• All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy
• Individual Freedom And Civil Society
• Conventionalism And Modernity: The Ever going Debate
• Should There Be a Restriction on Permissiveness Being propagated by The MTV
Culture And Foreign Media?
• Marxism And Its Future All Over The World The Growing Menace Of Casteism And
Regionalism
• Presidential Form Of Government Is Needed In India
• Bullet For Bullet: Is It The Right Policy?
• Capitation Fees Should Be Abolished
• Brain-Drain Has To Be Stopped
• Business And Ethics Can't / Don't Go Together
• Are women As good as Men Or Inferior?
• Nothing Succeeds Like Success
• Should India Break Diplomatic Ties With Pakistan?
• Age and Youth: Experience And Young Talent
• East Is East & West Is Where All The Action Is': Mark Twain
• Freedom Of _Expression And the State Authority.

Sample Mock GD - I

Candidates are divided in groups of 8 to 10 and each group is tested by a panel of

Judges. Usually topics of general interest are given by the panel to the group and the
group is asked to proceed with discussion. Every candidate is supposed to express his
opinion and views on the topic given. The time for discussion is approximately 20
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minutes. During the discussion, the panel of Judges quietly observes the performance and
behavior of the candidates and makes his own assessment.

Mock Group Discussion:

Most topics are taken from the current political or economic scene so if one has just kept
abreast of current affairs, then he will be able to make a mark. We give below a group
discussion on a common topic and give some typical responses of students. We then
analyze the discussion so that readers can develop their own strategy for themselves.

JUDGE: Good morning. You can choose any topic you like or take a slip from that box.
You are given one minute to think to start with the discussion. The observers will not
interfere in your discussion. If no conclusion is reached, we may ask each of you to speak
for a minute on the topic at the end of the discussion. The topic on the slip is
"Multinationals: Bane or Boon". I suggest you should start the discussion.

Mr A : This is a good topic. I am against multinationals. We have Coke and Pepsi. Do we

need them? We can manufacture our own soft drinks. Multinationals destroy the local
industry and sell non-essential products.

Mr B : I agree with you. What is the fun of having Coke and Pepsi? We have our own
Campa Cola.

Mr C : I think water is good enough.

Mr D : We are not here to discuss soft drinks. The topic given to us is a much larger one.
First, let us define multinational companies. They are merely large companies which
operate in a number of countries. There could be some Indian multinationals also. So
there is nothing wrong with them. The point is whether they have a good or bad impact
on the host countries. We have to discuss their business practices and find out whether
they are desirable or not.

Mr E : That is a very good introduction to the topic. Multinational companies do serve an

important function that they bring new products and technologies in countries which do
not have them. And it is not just Coke and Pepsi. They set up power plants and build
roads and bridges, which really help in the development of host countries.

Mr F : But are they all that good? We have seen that they destroy local industry. In India
they just took over existing companies. They came in areas of low technology. Moreover,
we have to see why they come at all. They come for earning profits and often remit more
money abroad than they bring in.

Mr A : I agree with you. I am against multinationals. We can produce everything

ourselves. We should be swadeshi in our approach. Why do we need multinational
companies?

Mr E : We may not need multinational companies but then it also means that our
companies should not do business abroad. Can we live in an isolated world? The fact is
that we are moving towards becoming a global village. The world is interconnected. Then
we have also seen that foreign companies bring in business practices that we are
impressed with. Look at foreign banks. They are so efficient and friendly that the
nationalized banks look pathetic in comparison. I think we can learn a lot from
multinationals if we keep our eyes and mind open.

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Mr B : Take a look at McDonald's. They are providing quality meals at affordable prices.
One does not have to wait at their restaurants.

Mr C : How do you account for the fact that they take out more than they put in and thus
lead to impoverishing the country?

Mr D : The fact is that every poor country needs foreign investment. Poor countries often
lack resources of their own. That is why they have to invite foreign companies in. There is
nothing wrong in this because then products like cars, air conditioners and so on can be
made in poor countries. Often multinationals source products from different countries
which helps boost their export earnings.

Mr E : We have been talking about Coke and Pepsi. It is well known that Pepsi is in the
foods business also and has helped farmers in Punjab by setting up modern farms to
grow potatoes and tomatoes. Modern practices have helped the people in that area.

Mr A : I still feel that multinationals are harmful for the country.

Mr D : Well, there could be negative things associated with such companies. They may
not be very good in their practices. But can we do without them? I think the best way is
to invite them but also impose some controls so that they follow the laws of the country
and do not indulge in unfair practices.

Mr E : I think laws are applicable to everyone. Very often officials in poor countries take
bribes. The fault lies not with the company which gives a bribe but the person who
actually demands one. Why blame the companies for our own ills?

Mr A : What about the money they take out?

Mr D : We have had a good discussion and I think it is time to sum up. Multinationals may
have good points and some bad ones too, but competition is never harmful for anyone.
We cannot live in a protected economy any longer. We have been protected for many
years and the results are there for everyone to see. Rather than be close about
multinationals, let us invite them in selected areas so that we get foreign investment in
areas which we are lacking. Laws can be strictly enforced that companies operate within
limits and do not start meddling in political affairs.

Analysis: Though Mr A started the discussion, he could not make any good points. Later,
he could not give any points about why multinationals are bad. It is also a bad strategy to
say at the outset whether you are for or against the topic. Remember, it is not a debate
but a discussion. The first step should always be to introduce the topic without taking
sides. See the way in which the discussion is proceeding and give arguments for or
against. The observer is not interested in your beliefs but in what you are saying. The
participation of Mr B and C is below average. A candidate must make 3-4 interventions.
Their arguments are also not well thought out and add nothing to the argument. It is
important to say relevant things which make an impact rather than speak for the sake of
speaking. The arguments of Mr. D and E are better. They seem to be aware of the role of
multinational companies. Mr E's approach is better as he intervenes a number of times.
He has also taken initiative in the beginning and brought order to the group. If selection
has to be made from the above six candidates, the obvious choice would be Mr E and
thereafter, Mr. D.

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