The Group Discussion

By Our Special Correspondent

By group we mean any collection of human beings who are brought into a social relationship with one another. Social relationships involve some degree of reciprocity between those related, some measures of mutual awareness as reflected in the attitudes of the members of the group.

-- Maclverand Page

Whenever two or more individuals come together and influence one another, they may be said to constitute a social group.

-- Ogbum and Nimkoff

It is said that a man’s life is to an enormous extent a group life. He lives in groups and is influenced by the members of that group. The essence of a group is inter-stimulation and response or communication with one another. The behaviour of a person in a group is obviously different from his individual behaviour. In everyday life one has to interact in a group and, therefore, the group behaviour of a person matters a lot. MacIver and Page have further elaborated that a group is a small number of persons who meet “face to face” for discussion of some question that concerns all the members of the group. Therefore,

“discussion” or “communication” with one another is an essential characteristic of a group. This feature is clearly evident in a group discussion where each member of the group has his own view point and has to listen to the viewpoints of the others in the group.

MacIver has pointed out, “In a study group this limitation is clearly evident, but some similarity of background is no less essential for the easy interplay of personalities in the family, the play group, the gang or the informal clique within the larger organization.” It is, therefore, essential that a person who participates in a group discussion should share a similarity of background with the other members of the group.

WHAT IS A GROUP DISCUSSION?

The group discussion, of late, has become very common for personality testing. Through a group discussion, a candidate’s ability to express himself coherently, systematically, logically and at the same time his leadership quality are evaluated by the selection board. The technique of group discussion has also been extensively used to select candidates for various management courses like M.B.A. or P.G.D.M. at various universities and institutes of management. The objective is to test the candidate’s knowledge of the subject, his ability to express himself in a clear, concise and effective manner, and his behaviour in the group. The group discussion is, therefore, a selection aid like the selection interview.

After half-an-hour’s group discussion the selecting officer can judge whether the person has self-confidence, tact, a cool temperament and an alert mind and also whether he can convince others about what he thinks is right. In a way it is a technique superior to the personal interview where a person’s group behaviour cannot be analysed. No doubt, both the selection interview and group discussion are conducted in order to ascertain the suitability of the candidate for a job or for a course he wishes to undertake; the technique is, however, different while the purpose is the same.

FEATURES OF A GROUP DISCUSSION

The group discussion technique used for selecting candidates has the following main features.

1. A form of conversation

The group discussion is a many-sided conversation which is spontaneous and not pre-planned. In such a conversation, there is no beforehand preparation and the discussion may start on any interesting topic.

1. Different from a debate

The group discussion is not a debate. All the members of a group have a fair opportunity to express their views on a given topic freely. In a debate there is a mover of the proposition, a seconder of the proposition and then a leader of the opposition. The group in a debate is divided into two parts – one who speaks for the motion and other who is against the motion. To conduct the debate there is a chairman / president who calls upon the speakers one by one and allots a definite time limit for each speaker. On the other hand, a group discussion is quite informal and not conditioned by such procedural rules as in the case of debate. Here the candidates can say whatever they like and whenever they like on the subject under discussion.

1. No interference from the examiner

The members of a group are left quite free to discuss the topic without any interference from the examiner. The examiner or the testing officer, as he is called in group discussions, acts as a silent observer in the background. In selection interviews, the candidate has to appear before the interview board face to face. In a group discussion, the members of the group sit around a table and face each other.

1. Discussion revolves around a given topic

In a group discussion a specific subject or topic is given for discussion and the candidates are required to talk on that particular topic only. They are free to talk for or against but they should confine the discussion to that topic only.

1. Cordial and friendly atmosphere

An atmosphere of cordial friendliness pervades group discussions. In a selection interview there is always some nervousness because the candidate alone has to face the interviewer or the board members. On the other hand, in a group discussion the participants are of a similar back ground and as such there is no trace of fear or complexes, and their natural group behavior can be easily assessed.

THE PROCEDURE FOR A GROUP DISCUSSION

The group discussion normally follows the procedure given below:

1. Number of candidates

Normally there are four to eight candidates in a group discussion, unlike interviews where only one candidate participates at a time.

1. Assignment of serial numbers

As soon as candidates assemble for a group discussion, they are assigned serial numbers, viz. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Afterwards they are to be addressed as Mr No. 1 or No. 2 and not by name.

1. Wearing the number tag

In a group discussion, candidates have to wear a number tag all the time. The examiner, who is in the background, notes down the points from the tag numbers without writing the name of the candidates. Therefore, it is essential that every candidate properly displays the number of his tag all the time.

1. Initiation of the discussion

The candidates are instructed not to disclose their names or speak in any other language except the one prescribed for the discussion, which is mostly English. However, in some places Hindi has also been included. The examiner or the testing officer does not decide who should speak first and how much time each candidate should take.

1. Sitting arrangement

The members of the group are generally seated around a table in a semicircle so that they face each other for discussion, and the testing officer is able to watch them from the background.

1. Selection of topics

In some cases, the candidates themselves select the topic they wish to discuss. However, the examiner may also give two or three topics for discussion and the members of the group are required to select any one for discussion.

1. Examiner’s role

As soon as the discussion starts, the examiner goes into the background, leaving the candidates free to carry on the discussion. He then takes notes to assess the personality and group behavior of the members without making his presence felt by the group.

1. The group leader

Normally, no one is appointed as a group leader, chairman or president by the examiner. The candidate endowed with natural leadership qualities will automatically emerge as a leader and assume the leadership of the group on his own. Such a gifted candidate will be able to carry the group with him despite the completion he may face from other participants. The group testing officer or examiner, who has considerable experience, is

able to spot leadership qualities and observe the candidates in action in order to assess their personality traits.

1. Type of topics

Generally at least two subjects are announced by the examiner or group testing officer. The topics for discussion may vary from light-hearted topics such as “love marriages v. arranged marriages” to serious topics such as “population explosion” or “India’s defense or economic policies”. There may be topics on current affairs or news items like the Ajodhya problem or the current situation in Punjab or Assam.

If the candidate themselves cannot come to an agreement regarding selection of a particular topic for discussion, the examiner either selects the topic for them or invites their views and then decides the topic.

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN A GROUP DISCUSSION

It is said that to find the remedy for any problem, one should first seek out its causes. This also applies to failure in group discussions. Most of the candidates who participate in a group discussion do not understand the real purpose behind this test. Nor are they aware of the attributes or qualities they have to display in order to emerge successful in a group discussion. Most candidates hold the erroneous view that their debating quality is being tested, or that they have to exhibit their excellence in arguments or their capacity to dominate others in the group. The result of this misconception is that many good candidates, who are otherwise intelligent and well educated, do not get selected in group discussions because they make some common mistakes. One of the most common mistakes is that they feel they must dominate the other members of the group during the discussion. They believe that effective speaking means not allowing other members to speak and to take the maximum time for themselves.

Another reason for failure in group discussions is that the participants often do not argue their points logically and are unable to support their arguments. Sometimes they try to contradict a certain point without giving reasons. Some participants keep interrupting while others are speaking, thus not allowing other participants to express their views. Some participants believe that by speaking in a louder voice or using their vocal cords to the highest pitch, they will be able to dominate in a group discussion. All this results in ultimate failure in the group discussion. To be successful you must first learn the following basics of group discussions.

• Decide your strategy

Someone has said that a group discussion is a battle in which you fire arguments instead of bullets. In other words, like a soldier you should know how and when to fire. Once the topic for discussion is selected and the testing officer gives the signal to commence discussion, you should immediately decide your strategy and how you are going to implement it. You have to mentally plan whether you are going to speak in favour or against a particular issue. You should think of arguments with examples to support them in advance. If you plan to disagree or speak against some issue, you should be able to explain why and try to convince the members of your point of view.

• Mind your language and behaviour

Try to maintain a serious, sophisticated and decent style of language and behaviour throughout. You have to be courteous as well as tactful. Do not bluntly say, “No, you are wrong” or “No, what you are saying is baseless”. Such an approach indicates negative behaviour. Instead say, “you may be correct, but. . . “Disagree without sounding rude or losing your temper.

• Be a good listener

Wilson Mizner has said, “A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something.” A good listener is not someone who has nothing to say. “A good listener is a good talker with a sore throat,” according to Katherine Whitethorn. While any participant is speaking, try to listen to him attentively and do not interrupt him unless he has finished his arguments. In a group discussion, every participant has to speak and listen to each other; otherwise the discussion will become meaningless and irrelevant.

• Don’t make fun of other participants

You must know when to contradict and interrupt the other participants while also ensuring that the discussion remains friendly and cordial. If you are criticizing an argument extended by another participant, do not make fun of him and laugh away what he is saying by dismissing it as rubbish. As has been said earlier, be courteous and at the same time tactful. Be polite while rejecting or contradicting the arguments of other participants. For example, say “I beg to differ” and then give your reasons to support your argument. Simply disagreeing violently without substantiating it with valid reasons is meaningless.

• Support your argument with valid reasons

If you are supporting an argument or you plan to agree with something, then your support should be total. You must give valid reasons why you are supporting a particular point which is different from those which have already been extended by other participants.

• Take criticism positively and hold on to your temper

If any member of the group criticizes your views, do not get upset. Don’t get angry if your argument is not accepted. “Anger is a brief madness” said Horace. Take the criticism positively and if you accept it, then say yes, otherwise give your own reasons to convince the participant criticizing you.

• Make maximum contribution

Make sure that you make maximum contribution. Participate wholeheartedly and continuously throughout the discussion. The moment you get an opportunity to intervene take it immediately and say your bit otherwise it will be difficult to steer the discussion back on a particular point.

• Show leadership and coordinating ability

Your leadership qualities are evaluated in a groupdiscussion. You must therefore give ample opportunities to the examining officer to test your leadership ability. You should also be able to influence your group-mates to accept your leadership. James F. Linchol has said, “A strong leader knows that if he develops his associates he will be even stronger.” Therefore, try to carry your group-mates with you.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A GROUP DISCUSSION

Training oneself for a group discussion cannot be compressed into a few days’ course. It takes time to develop certain traits, mannerisms and a pleasant and effective way of speaking. The best way to learn to speak in group discussions is to get together with your colleagues or class-mates and start discussing a topic. Ask them to give their views and you give your views. Organize a small discussion group and discuss current topics or any other news item in it. There is no short-term course for achieving success in a group discussion and you can only learn with experience.

Do’s and dont’s

• Keep to the point.

• Give valid reasons if you disagree.

• Look at all the members of the group while making your comments.

• Make proper gesticulation.

• Speak with clarity so that everyone can hear you and understand you.

• Listen to other participants patiently.

• Don’t interrupt a participant until he has finished his argument.

• Don’t be shy or nervous. A group discussion is a meeting of equals.

• Don’t become emotional and start criticizing other participants without first offering valid arguments to support your viewpoint.

• Try to convince as many participants as possible to your line of argument.

• Don’t make fun of any participant even if his argument is wrong.

• Be polite and courteous throughout and say, “You are welcome”, “Thank you for your comments”, “Please go ahead”, etc.

• Don’t be frivolous. Be serious.

• Readily accept the good points of an argument put forward by the other participants. If you find that the other person has a good point, say so and accept it.

• Give others a chance to speak too; otherwise the discussion will become meaningless.

• Don’t change your stand until the other participants are able to convince you. Once you are convinced, give in gracefully.

• Be friendly. Keep cool and accept criticism with a smile.