This document discusses group discussions as a selection criteria. It explains that a group discussion involves 8-15 people discussing a topic without interference from evaluators. Evaluators assess candidates based on their knowledge, analytical skills, leadership, teamwork, communication and other qualities. Candidates should focus on the topic, listen to others, express their views respectfully, and not interrupt or dominate others. Good preparation includes knowledge of various topics, strong listening and presentation skills, and ability to communicate effectively.
1. GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Dr. MALA PANDURANG
Dr BMN College of Home Science Matunga, Mumbai
NAAC Reaccredited A Grade with CGPA 3.64/4
College with Potential for Excellence
2. GROUP DISCUSSIONS
When a group of people come together
to share and exchange information on a
given subject, it is called a group
discussion
3. G.D AS SELECTION
CRITERIA
An opportunity to observe and form an
opinion about a large no. of candidates
in a short span of time
Opportunity to assess skills not
possible to observe in a C.V
4. Group of 8 – 15 persons
Candidates are quite free to discuss the
topic without any interference from the
evaluator
No one is appointed the leader and no
one is the follower
5. QUESTIONS THAT
EVALUATORS POSE
Did the candidate speak at all?
What is the knowledge level?
What are her analytical skills like?
Was she able to provide leadership?
Did she antagonise the group?
Is she a team player?
6. Is she a good communicator?
Is she a good listener?
Does she respect the opinion of others?
Did she speak sense?
Is she able to quickly focus on crucial
issues?
7. QUALITIES THAT ARE
EVALUATED
Leadership
Interpersonal skills
Analytical skills
Team spirit
Verbal & non-verbal communication skills
Problem solving skills
Ability to handle people
8. DOs
Focus attention on the given topic
Don’t speak first if you are unfamiliar with the topic. Speak at the
most opportune moment
Try to speak something new which has not been said by others
earlier
Listen to others attentively so that you may express your viewpoint
in favour or against a particular argument
Allow other members of the group to express themselves to their
satisfaction
9. Try to put your case in such a way that
your line of argument becomes the
centre of discussion
Use dignified language at all times
keep in mind the importance of non-
verbal communication
10. DON’Ts
Do not interrupt others when they are speaking
Do not go overboard with enthusiasm
Do not impose yourself upon others
Do not get irritated/emotional at any point of time
Do not make fun of others/put others down
Do not deviate from the subject given for discussion
Do not feel shy to express yourself if you have an
unorthodox view
Do not hesitate to disagree if you have sound
12. KNOWLEDGE
Well read and capable of expressing
views on a wide range of subjects
Able to give examples to support one’s
ideas
13. LISTENING SKILLS
Listening makes you a better speaker
Listening helps to generate ideas and
formulate thoughts
Listening encourages other candidates
to express their views
15. TYPES OF GROUP
DISCUSSION
Fact based topics : need a sound
knowledge/must have an opinion
Excellent reading habits of various
socio-economic topics
16. INTUITIVE GROUP
DISCUSSION
Tests one’s ability to present thoughts
in logical manner
Participants have more or less same
amount of knowledge
Eg. ‘Should beauty contests be
banned’
17. CASE STUDY G.D. TOPICS
Specialized type of technique used for
recruitment for prof. Organizations/iim
entrance exams
A business situation/decision prolbem is
depicted
Participants discuss and recommend
course of action
18. Sample topics
Position of women in India in 21st
century
Effect of cinema on youth
Are studies more beneficial in India or abroad
Will the odd/even rule in Delhi for traffic work?
Advantages of co-education
Have values of Indian youth evolved