Group Discussion and

Personal Interview
By – Dr. Swati Shrivastava
Definition
A group is a collection of people cooperating
with one another and abiding by certain
behavioural norms to accomplish a specified
goal.
Organizations need groups because
 a group possesses greater skill and
knowledge than an individual.
 modern jobs need a variety of expertise.
 decisions taken by a group are more likely to

be implemented.
 junior employees get valuable exposure in a

group.
Individuals need groups because
 a group enhances their confidence.
 it increases their perception of power and

reduces stress level.

 their talents are better utilized.
Types of groups
 Self directed teams , autonomous in every
respect,
 Quality circles , group of volunteers that take

care of work efficiency in an organization,

 Different committees like standing

committee, an advisory committee,

 Task forces , similar to ad hoc committees

enjoy greater powers.

Formal groups are formed with the approval
of the management and follow formal channels
of communication , informal groups are
formed to satisfy people’s emotional, social
and psychological needs.
A group must have
 a specific goal,
 a well defined pattern of communication,
 a set of norms that all members follow,
 distinct roles for the leader as well as the

members,
 its own climate, its work culture.
Group discussions at business
schools
 Group discussion is an integral part of the
admission and placement processes.
 Primary aim of a group discussion is to gauge

a participant’s attitude to see whether he/she

can be a good team member. Participant’s
analytical powers and their width of
knowledge can also be judged.
Topics at group discussions
 Factual topics
 Controversial topics
 Abstract topics
 Case studies
Effective Participation in group
discussion
 Offer to speak first only if your content is
sound and you are an effective speaker.
 If you are not the first speaker , intervene

when the discussion is at a low point.

 Speaking repeatedly without anything

substantial to say may be counter –

productive.
 Taking rigid stances is not desirable.
 Unsatisfactory command over language
should not be a deterrent if the arguments
are sound.
 Simple and short examples.
 Don’t allow the discussion to loose focus.
 Avoid repeating points made by others.
 If you have no points of your own , use
other’s point in a modified form.
 If some participant’s arguments are better ,

there is no harm in agreeing with them.

 Being assertive is good; being aggressive is

bad.
 Technical terms should be either avoided or

explained.