Group discussion : types, merits and demerits.

 Group discussion is when a group of people comes together to discuss a certain topic that involves  sharing ideas or activities.

Group Discussion is a combination of two words 'Group' and 'Discussion.' 

Group

A group means many people are working together to achieve some targets. The performance of a group depends on the collaborative work of the individuals. The team of three or more than three people is considered as a group.

Discussion

Discussion means exchanging ideas between two or more than two people, which is generally a face-to-face interaction. It is a process of talking between people to reach a specific decision. It is also defined as a conversation about a specific topic.

The result or end product of group discussion can be a particular decision, enhanced knowledge, actions, an argument, doubt-clearing, disagreement, etc.

Types of Group discussions are: 

Factual Group Discussions

Opinion-Based Group Discussion

Group conversations based on case studies

Abstract group discussion 

Factual group discussions:  These discussions focus on the real world and test a candidate’s ability to digest information and analyse socioeconomic or everyday concerns.

Opinion-Based Group Discussion: Test how well candidates can articulate their beliefs and viewpoints. These group talks tend to focus more on views than facts.

Group conversations based on case studies: These discussions mimic real-world circumstances. The group is given the specifics of a fictitious scenario by the panellists, and then the group must work together to address it.

Abstract Group Discussion: These are abstract group discussions. In these, the interviewers check to see if a candidate can approach the subject at hand with originality and lateral thinking.

Skills required to evaluate in group discussion

Creativity/Originality:  

Innovative solutions and unconventional thinking are required for some jobs. The panellists may use group activities in these situations to evaluate one's  creativity and originality of ideas when working in a group.

Voice Modulation : 

Controlling  voice’s pitch, volume, and tone are all examples of communication abilities. In a typical group discussion, employers listen for a forceful approach, an authoritative voice, clarity in speech, and an audible tone.

Initiative : 

Initiative means to take the lead in the discussion. One should be  confident and have good knowledge about the topic to take action. Do not hesitate and be the first one to start the discussion.

One can also take the initiative between when the discussion is diverted or going out of the topic.

Leadership

It's an important quality . Active participation in a conversation increases the probability that participants will analyze their own beliefs and weigh the merits of other points of view. This inspires individuals to express more carefully and critically on a certain subject.

Communication Skills

All the participants in the Group Discussion present their views on the given topic. The language used should be simple so that everyone present in the discussion can easily understand.

Fluency

A participant of a Group Discussion should have fluency in his/her spoken English. Everyone in the discussion listens to the speaker carefully. Improper fluency will distract the listeners. So, it is essential to be fluent while speaking.

Body Language

The panelists mainly focus on eye contact and hand movements. The way of sitting is also essential. Hand movements are the sign of your keen interest in the discussion.  One have to be very careful about the ways you sit, speak, etc. 

Listening Skills

The panelist observes that every candidate is listening to the discussion or not. They can also ask any candidate to summarize the discussion at the end. The panelist may infer the poor listener in many ways, such as lack of confidence, poor eye contact, or poor summary at the end. Hence, it is a rarest and essential skill to be a good participant in a Group Discussion.

Merits 

Encourages the development of Critical Thinking

Group discussion gives everyone a chance to voice their opinions and have their views questioned, group discussions encourage the development of critical thinking. Active participation in a conversation increases the probability that participants will analyze their own beliefs and weigh the merits of other points of view. This inspires individuals to express more carefully and critically on a certain subject.

Enhances Communication

Through the practice of listening, processing information, thinking critically, and expressing their opinions to others, group discussions help people improve their communication abilities. A group discussion gives participants a chance to practice how to communicate effectively with various personality types and how to negotiate in order to achieve an agreement.

Enhances Problem Solving Skills

By giving people a chance to collaborate and suggest solutions to an issue, group discussion improves problem-solving abilities. Members can generate ideas, exchange ideas and viewpoints, and push one another to come up with unique solutions through group discussions.

Promotes Involvement of the Participants

Usually, a group gives members a place to share their thoughts. People who are ordinarily afraid to chat or interact are more inclined to participate when there is a team aspect present. People are more likely to act independently because they feel included in the decision-making process.

Helps in gaining Depth of Knowledge

 "Gaining Depth of Knowledge",  refers to the process of learning and understanding a subject more deeply. Group discussions involve a controlled and coordinated conversation among a group of individuals about a certain topic or issue.

Helps to Boost Confidence

Having a group discussion may increase confidence in a variety of ways. It offers individuals the chance to develop their public speaking and communication abilities while getting input and encouragement from their colleagues.

Encourages collaboration and relationship-building

Additionally, it encourages collaboration and relationship-building, which may raise morale and confidence. Last but not least, it provides individuals with the chance to learn from one another, which may aid in both broadening and deepening knowledge and comprehension of a subject.

Demerits 

A Time-Consuming Process

Group discussion takes time because participants must listen to one another, share ideas, debate contrary views, and reach a conclusion. Everyone should have the opportunity to voice their opinions and be heard. Depending on the depth and complexity of the problem and the number of participants, this procedure may take a while. It is crucial that everyone is given the opportunity to express their opinions respectfully.

Sometimes leads to Unproductive Discussions (Useless) 

For a variety of reasons, group conversations might result in fruitless discussions. First, there is the possibility of herd mentality, which happens when members lose track of or disregard an individual's ideas in lieu of the group's attempt to attain a consensus. Due to the group's inability to fully explore all alternative options, this can result in having fewer ideal results.

Fights may occur 

it might be challenging to maintain concentration when a group is debating over a complex matter. The discussion may lose focus and direction as it deviates from the main topic, which could prevent any significant progress or resolution.

Expensive Process to Conduct

Due to the costs involved in planning, directing, and monitoring the discussion, conducting group discussions can be expensive.

Conclusion 

Group discussion has proven to be a great way to promote active learning and collaboration among peers. While this method has many advantages, such as allowing people to brainstorm ideas, gain feedback from others, and practice communication skills, it can also have some drawbacks. These drawbacks include the potential for groupthink, the lack of control over the conversation, and the difficulty of ensuring that everyone has an equal voice.

Despite all these drawbacks, a group discussion is still a valuable tool that can help individuals gain knowledge and skills, as well as create meaningful connections with others. Overall, group discussion offers a great way to learn, collaborate, and discuss topics positively and engagingly.