Campus Recruitment – Group Discussion – Introduction

Campus Recruitment – Group Discussion – Introduction

GROUP DISCUSSION

Group Discussion is a process of selection rather than elimination. Group Discussion refers to the process where by a topic or a situation is presented to a group of candidates. It is a systematic exchange of ideas and information among a group of people. In a Group Discussion, a topic is given and each member is given about 10-15 minutes to think about the given topic. The members are then allowed to present their views and opinions to the other candidates in the group. The Group Discussion facilitates objective thinking, systematic presentation of ideas, interacting abilities, problem resolution, leadership abilities, ability to take initiatives, ability to work within a team, flexibility and assertiveness skills.

Why GD is a part of the selection process?

• The primary reason for conducting the Group Discussion is to evaluate how effectively a candidate would perform as a member of a team.
• When more than one person is involved in problem solving, ideas have to be brainstormed, collaborated and a conclusion should be reached such that the organizational goals are met along with creating a win win situation for every member of the team.
• Thus apart from participation and contribution, team behavior and attitude of a person are the traits that a company would be evaluating in the Group Discussion.
• The written test evaluates aptitude in Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability and Reasoning Ability;
• These areas to judge the the analytical, logical, numerical and language abilities but they do not test the personality traits or group behavior of the individual.
• The ability to deal with people, individually or in a group, is vital for success in the corporate world. Therefore a group discussion is included in the selection process.
• A group discussion allows the selectors to judge the individual’s performance and behavior in a group.
• Different aspects of group discussion include communication skills- both verbal and non-verbal, Ability to make decisions and co-operate with people.

Types of Group Discussions

The classification is based on the type of the topics that are chosen for group discussion.
The topics could be:

1. Current Affairs:
   Topics related to current news items related to business, technology, politics, education and social activities etc.
2. Argumentative Issues:
   A topic is given to the candidates that they have to analyze and critically present their views on the topic.
3. Factual topics:
   The topics are which may directly or indirectly affect a person in his day to day life.
   • Women’s reservation bill
   • Lokpal bill
   • Status of women in India
   • Global warming.
4. Controversial topics:
   Topics in which candidates can take a stance – for or against the given topic there by leading to a bit of disagreement among the participating members of the group.For example,
   • We are becoming too dependent on computers.
   • Video games contribute to youth violence.
   • Reservation system should be removed.
5. Abstract subjects:
   These types of topics generally include imaginary or hypothetical topics. For example,
   • What would happen if the Earth would stop rotating?
   • What would happen if you were given a chance to rule the country?
6. Case study:
   Instead of a topic a case study will be given in this category. They need to resolve the situation. The objective the case study is to think about the situation from different angles. Generally real life situations are given in case study. A complex and problematic situation and information about that situation is given to the group.

Popular Group Discussion Topics :

• Are Advertisements Beneficial or misleading?
• Balance between Professionalism and Family.
• Can Trade help the poor?
• Demographic Dividend in India.
• Depreciation of Indian Rupee.
• Is FDI good for India?
• Privatization will lead to Less Corruption.
• To survive in the civilized world one needs to be hypocrite.
• Growth and integrity are poles apart.
• Cricket Has Spoiled Other Streams Of Indian Sports.
• We will never be corruption free society.
• Indian Primary Education Is Pathetic.
• India needs more entrepreneurs than managers to face new challenges.
• Artificial Intelligence – Will man be ever replaced by machines?
• Role of India in combating terrorism.