Types of Group Discussion

Types of Group Discussion

Types of GD based on the Topics Assigned

The Team-Based Group Discussions are an element of the admissions process. The discussing team will have a prompt and a purpose to work together and achieve a tangible result. This blog discusses different categories of GD based on the assigned GD topics.

Different types of topics distributed to participants for GD are Factual Topics, Abstract Topics, Argumentative Topics, Opinion based Topics, Current Affairs, and Case studies

It is necessary to understand the aspiration of the panelists when they have assigned a topic to the group. The assigned topic gives sufficient cues about how the discussion should be conducted. Here are the types of GDs based on how they should be conducted, depending upon the topics assigned. Understanding this will help you drive your GD in the right direction. In reference to the topic asked, GD can be of the following types:

GD task may be allocated to you to:

  1. Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative, etc.
  2. Discover cooperative arrangements in the groups
  3. Discuss or evaluate an issue, for a better understanding
  4. Create a plan
  5. Discuss policies and policy changes
  6. Study laws, regulations and some developments, etc.
  7. Arrive at an action
  8. Solve a problem
  9. Resolve a conflict
  10. Plan some work or task

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Types of Group Discussion (GD)

Group Discussions can be divided into 3 types:
Topical Group Discussions

The matter for these types of Group discussion is based on current affairs or static matters. Students are advised to be thorough with these and read newspapers daily to be up to date. Also, these discussions are not time bound.

Case-studies

In this student are given situations especially out of a business and will be judged on how they reach a solution to the problem. They will be required to analyse the situation and give their views.

Abstract Group Discussions

This kind of discussion gives no outline of the topic, which means no one knows which direction to take. The participants must use innovative strategies and ideas to steer the discussion. The topic could be one word or a sentence, but no one usually knows what to say on that or what the panel might like.

Contrary to what is understood, Group Discussions do not differ on difficulty level. A good weightage is based on it and the panel makes sure only the one deserving get through

Are You Gearing Up For Your WAT-GD-PI Rounds?

WAT-GD-PI is an important phase that decides the conversion of your MBA call. Preparation of GD rounds requires a proper plan and strategy. So, understand the offer of admission and know that your performance in GD needs to have a structured groundwork.

Group Discussions are a methodology used by management institutes to gauge certain personality traits and skills required in a candidate. For a Group Discussion, the group of candidates may range from 5 to 15 members. Candidates are given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to ponder over the topic, and then asked to discuss it with each other for 10 to 20 minutes.

Conclusion:

For an effective GD, make good statements. Keep practicing Mock GDs with peers under supervision. Be polite and composed throughout the discussion. Be assertive and maintain decorum. Use informative words, use hand gestures, and initiate the discussion. Try to conclude the discussion too as it is a token of leadership talent.