1. Group Discussion

2. Original ideas Clarity in articulation Good listening skills Positive body language Desired Parameters in Candidates

3. Candidates’ group behaviour is checked on the following parameters: Group Behaviour Participation Leadership qualities Problem-solving capability Handling turbulence

4. High Low Consistent Participation GDs check a candidate’s level of participation:

5. Leadership Leadership is determined by Initiative Team spirit Problem-solving skills Decision-making skills

6. Participate constructively Provide rational arguments Convince others Build support Logically weaken opponent’s point of view Leadership Qualities Suggested leadership qualities:

7. Driver (imposes, evaluates, blocks) Amiable leader (eagerly supports, avoid conflicts) Democrat (includes everyone, tries to control ) Leadership Styles Various leadership styles are evident during a GD:

8. Dominate without bullying Listen and react Be a gate opener not closer Orderly Conduct Strive to:

9. Restore order Activate inert participants Avoiding Turbulence Strive to:

10. Personality Knowledge Communication skills Leadership skills Evaluation A GD evaluates a candidate’s

11. Appearance Temperament Posture and gesture Mental state Personality Personality is determined by

12. Depth Range Analytical ability Organization of ideas Knowledge Knowledge is determined by

13. Listening Skills Fluency Language Phonetic Ability Communication Skills Communication skills are determined by

14. Sit comfortably Understand the topic Organize ideas Speak at the earliest Identify supporters and opponents Keep track of time Share time fairly Maintain eye contact Take notes Aim for conclusion, not consensus Do’s

15. Be in a hurry Be silent Dominate vocally/physically Assume role of chairman Introduce topic Take extreme stance Look at faculty Shut out inert participants Move excessively Throw all ideas at one shot Use slang Speak fast Digress Pay attention to troublemakers Get emotional Don’ts

16. Topic-based A controversial or factual topic may be used to evaluate candidates Case-based A case study is used to evaluate a candidate’s analytical and decision-making skills among others. Types of GDs

17. Topic-based GDs Interpret correctly; explore adequately Case-based GDs Understand the situation, work out alternatives, explore pros and cons, suggest solutions, and work out implementation and contingency plan

18. Describes a challenging situation that the company is facing or has faced earlier. Illustrates a specific set of management issues Provides facts and figures It is written in a manner that needs rearrangement and interpretation of facts as well as evaluation of opinions, behavior, and interaction It includes data on alternative courses of action Case Study A case is a statement of conditions, attitudes, and practices and it:

19. Put the case information together Evaluate the actions and plans of the company and identify, and describe business opportunities and problems Recommend a coordinated plan of action to correct business problems or to take advantage of opportunities Justify the recommended action Try to get a quick sense of the whole case – title, heading, outline, introduction, and conclusion Steps for Case Analysis

20. Does this require a decision? Who is the decision maker? What decision does she have to make? What are her objectives? Are there other actors there? What are their objectives? At this point reread the case carefully; underline key facts Note the key problems on paper; go through the case again for relevant information. What are the resources/constraints? What are the possible courses of action? Rank alternatives; likely short- and long-term consequences. Steps for Case Analysis (…contd)

21. Be prepared to present ideas with conviction. Listen Keep an open mind Grab the earliest opportunity to get involved If you have a totally new idea-wait Be alert for constructive solutions Try to give space to others Don’t hesitate to admit confusion or ask for clarification Keep the group focused Accept a critical atmosphere and be willing to submit your conclusions to rebuttal Overcome the fear of making and admitting a mistake Tips REPLAY