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Welcome to our Group Discussion Section.
What you can look for in this section:-
->Group Discussion Reasons
->Group Discussion Parameters of Selection
->Group Discussion Tips
-> How to Prepare?
->Group Discussion Examples
                               

TOPIC : Reasons For Having a Group Discussion  !

In INDIA, as there is a written examination for selection into an MBA or a PGDM course,the candidates short listed have proved that they have the cleared the basic level required for an MBA or PGDM course but there is a need for something more.
An MBA course teaches students how to achieve larger goals and it  polishes those personality traits. But there are some basic traits that a candidate should have to go through the MBA process and to know that institutes conduct GD/PI.

TOPIC : Parameters of Selection  !

Its a very important point to note as to know what the panelists are looking inside you during a GD and are you on the right track to show them that you are the right candidate.
Leadership skills:Ability to take leadership roles and ability to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve group's objectives.Example: To be able to initiate the group discussion, or to be able to guide the group especially when the discussion begins losing relevance or try to encourage all members to participate in the discussion.
Communication skills:The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.Example: To be able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily understood by all. You actually get negative marks for using esoteric jargons in an attempt to show-off your knowledge.
Interpersonal skills:Is reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered.
Example: To remain cool even when someone provokes you with personal comment, ability to remain objective, ability to empathise, non-threatening and more of a team player.
Persuasive skills:Ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives without hurting the group members.
Example: While appreciating someone else's point of view, you should be able to effectively communicate your view without overtly hurting the other person.
Problem solving skills:Ability to come out with divergent and offbeat solutions and use one's own creativity.Example: While thinking of solutions, don't be afraid to think of novel solutions. This is a high- risk high-return strategy.
Conceptualizing skills:The ability to grasp the situation, take it from the day to day mundane problem level and apply it to a macro level.Example: At the end of the discussion, you could probably summarize the findings in a few sentences that present the overall perspective.
Knowledge Base and exchange of thoughts: If you are able to add in some extra points into a GD form different spheres which the group hasent touched but are reelevant then its an added bonus.


TOPIC : Group Discussion Tips  !

In order to achieve this you must follow certain parameters i.e Some Do's and Dont's
=>Emotional - Such behaviour is perceived as immature and demotivating.As it leads to Deviate from the subject,Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views,Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
=>Quality and not Quantity- Domination of the group should be avoided even if you have a huge source of knowledge on the topic,use your examples to support other people's point of view making your goodwill in the group.In the end you have to proove that you are a good team player,relevant constibution leading to make more out of the group discussion.
=>Grabbing the Attention- It means getting noticed for the right reasons i.e pointing out certain irregularities or incorrectness of statements to keep the group on a particular track.Thus you perform the role of leader by not letting group loose focus and deviate from the topic.

TOPIC :How to prepare for Group Discussion? 

Its nothing special you need to gain knowledge as much as you can on relevant issues.To improve your knowledge, read a general newspaper and a business newspaper everyday to keep abreast of current events and business- related news. You should also make it a point to read one general magazine and one business magazine to supplement newspaper reading. In the different articles that you read, concentrate on the core part of the issue rather than dwelling on its superficial aspects. Make regular notes on each article you read and try to convert them into points. This will help you remember them better. Always make it a point to read articles that cover a range of issues to increase your knowledge on a wide variety of topics. Avoid sticking to articles whose core issues you are already comfortable with.

TOPIC :Group Discussion Examples 

Most of the Group Discussion Topics are related with the current affairs and recent happenings but still we can classify these topics into few categories:
1.Abstract GD: This includes topics like Rose,Power etc.
2.GD related to Recent happening: These include knowledge of current affairs and could be from any field Politics,Financial,Social but related to recent happenings.
3.Gd on General Statements: These include statements such as "Women are Better Managers" etc.

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