T. I.M.E.

Sai Kumar Swamy,PGDM, IIM Bangalore

Triumphant Institute of Management Education Pvt. Ltd.

Group Discussion ‘Why GD?

‘Group Discussion’ vs. Public Speaking vs. Elocution vs. Extempore vs. Debate

Me’ Vs ‘Them’

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Types of Group Discussion

GDs

Topic-based

Case-based

Article/Filmbased

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Topic-based

Knowledge-based Abstract

Types of Group Discussion

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GD: Sub-typesKnowledge-based

Economic

Political

Social

Technological

Cultural / Sports

Cases

Business

HR

Social

Types of Group Discussion

Case-based

Case Study Role Play Group Task

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Basics► Group Size

► Seating Arrangement: any good seat?

► Time Allotted

► Moderator: Role & Communication

► Start & finish of a discussion

► Addressing Group Members

► Variations

– appoint a leader, rotating leadership,

everybody speaks for one minute

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Performance Parameters Group BehaviorGroup Behavior

CommunicationCommunication LeadershipLeadership

ContentContent

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Scoring marks in a GDKnowledge-based

● Subject Knowledge● Idea Generation● Introduce original points – not mentioned by others● Build other’s point by - providing a rationale / logic - quoting examples / statistics● Provide counter-point - rationale / logic / statistics / data that show the

opposite / different conclusion

T.I.M.E. Most Important Factor

No marks given for repeating what somebody else says BUILD ON IT!

Scoring marks in a GDProcess-based - 1

● Confidence● Logical flow of argument● Simple, short, easy to understand sentence construction● Effective voice modulation / tone and emphasis for good

impact ● Pleasant, friendly participation● Positive Body Language● Assertive

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Scoring marks in a GDProcess-based..2

● Eye contact with all group members when you speak● Listening ‘actively’ when others speak● Speak only when you have a point to convey● Adult-adult communication ● Gently bring the discussion back on rails if it is drifting ● Request group to allow those to contribute who were cut

down earlier● Succeed in bringing back normalcy after chaos● Building rapport with the group

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Scoring marks in a GDTo repeat, they want

● Thought Clarity● Efficiency & Effectiveness of Communication● Open to new ideas● Comfort with multi-polarity of views● Integrative vs. reactive approach● ‘Positive-sum’ approach● Providing direction ● Facilitate full exploration of all facets of topic/case

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More is not necessarily better - Clarity in Communication

TaboosNo radical thoughts…Don’t articulate any gender / caste / class / race biasDon’t ask questions during the GDDon’t directly negate other’s point – ‘how can you say

that?’, ‘You are wrong’, ‘you don’t know’ etc.No touching othersNo blocking others viewNo pointing fingersNo personal anecdotes as ‘data’No emotions, pleaseNo shouting or sarcasm

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FAQs

FAQs..1

Are we asked to introduce ourselves .. The first to start the discussion … Language to be used in a discussion … Moderator has gone missing … Selecting a seat during a GD … Jotting down of topics/points …. How do I address other group members..

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FAQs..2

Group is asked to select the topic … If a group member makes a point that I don’t agree with, can I prove that he is wrong? Others are using wrong statistics … There is total fish market … I am being cut-off each time I start … If somebody does not speak, can I ask her to speak? Should I be the first speaker…

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FAQs ..3

Taking a stand vis-à-vis the topic If I have a soft voice … How to get into the discussion … If I am not noticed while speaking … I don’t know about the topic … I know the topic, but others don’t ... All others are supporting one side, can I speak from the other side?

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FAQs..4More than one person is speaking at a time Cartelization ??Responding to one’s point, should I directly speak to him

alone ?How do I address the group?If time is almost over, can I summarize?How to write a summary / conclusion of GD?I have not participated in GDs, so I feel nervous. How I do I

improve?

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Idea GenerationCommon Problem

I have very little knowledge about the subject, how do I conceal it effectively?

Manager

Idea Generation► Key Word Approach (KWA)

► Viewpoint of Affected Parties (VAP)

► SPELT

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Key Word Approach“Excessive exposure of the female anatomy in

advertising should be banned”

Excessive Exposure• What is exposure?• How can excessive /adequate be defined?• Excessive exposure is differently understood from place to place, time to time.• How does it affect the viewers?• What will be impact on various categories of viewers say children?

Advertising• Types of advertising• Purpose of advertising• What is good / effective advertising?• Why females are used in advertising?• When are females effective in advertising?• Is exposure essential for ads of some products?

Ban• Is it not a very strong action?• Implementation issues of the ban?• Is it correct in a democratic society?• Did it help in case of other things that were banned like alcohol consumption?

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Viewpoint of Affected Parties“Excessive exposure of the female anatomy in

advertising should be banned”

Audience : (Viewers, Readers, Parents, Children )

Advertisers : (From the perspective of the Product companies)

Advertising Agencies : (From the perspective of the Advertising agencies )

Models : (From the perspective of the earning potential of models)

S P E L TImplications

Socio-cultural Political Economic / Ethical Legal Technological

Implications

Socio-cultural Political Economic / Ethical Legal Technological

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SPELT Contd..“Excessive exposure of the female anatomy in

advertising should be banned”

Socio - Cultural: Our culture & traditions, Family set-up, Values & related issues

Political : Political will to implement the ban, impact on vote-banks

Economic : Adverse effect on revenue of advertising agencies, Loss of livelihood of advertising models..

Legal : Affected parties seeking legal recourse, current legal situation, ASCI, self-censorship, role of censor..

Technological : How to implement ban on satellite channels / internet / sms ?

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Case Study..1 Case Facts

- Key players & their motivation - Resources & Constraints - Parameters for decision-making - Understand key facts well - Assumptions / Incomplete information

Case Study..2 Frame-work for Analysis

● Problem Identification: Symptoms vs. Problem ● Viable Alternatives ● Criteria for Evaluation to decide best option ● Evaluation of options ● Action plan – ST / LT ● Contingency Plan / Sensitivity Analysis

Case Study..3 Approaches for Analysis

● KWA: Case should be seen as a short RC passage. Pay attention to key words.

● VAP: Possibly the most important approach

● SPELT: Useful in checking the impact of choosing various options

Case Study..4 What makes Case Studies Different ● Answer / Solution: Cases do not have any ‘right’ answer. ● Process of finding the best solution is more important than

the solution itself. ● Cases bring out hidden personal biases – so be on your guard! ● Participants tend to become more emotional in case studies

than other type of GD. ● Knowledge of participants becomes less relevant in a case

study

GD TopicsShould use of performance enhancing drugs in sports be legalisedThe test of a successful man is not an ability to eliminate the problem

before it exists, but to meet and resolve it whenever it arisesGood economics is bad politics Good things always start from good thinkingFaith is to believe what you do now yet see, reward for faith is to see

what you believeBusiness and Ethics dont go togetherIf you find yourself on the side of majority, it is time to reformPeople sitting get more pay than standing upMorality is the creation of the weak to deter and limit the strongEducation is a progressive way of discovering your ignorance