Group Discussion
Meaning of Group Discussion
Group Discussion may be defined as
cooperative thinking. There are two elements
in this definition:
A. Thinking – the most natural thing for a human
being to do right.
B. Cooperative thinking – means an exchange of
views, a putting together of two different sets
of experiences in an attempt to push through
further the reality.
Group Discussion
- isa series of questions that guides the
group on its journey of dialogue. These
questions will take the group through four
levels of awareness. ORID
1. Objective
2. Reflective
3. Interpretative
4. Decisional
Discussion (ORID) Method
❑ directs the thinking of the group
❑ Makes use of specific sequence of questions
❑ Proceeds from easiest to most difficult
❑ Allows careful progression in collective consciousness to take
place
❑ Is adaptable to any situation and group
Discussion allows group members to share and clarify data and
ideas at a level that is not only satisfying but also lends well to
enabling profound unity within the group
Discussion can become the basis for:
Collect data from a wide range of perspectives
and ideas
Discuss difficult issues
Reflect on important events and experience
Achieve a greater understanding of issues and
problems
Deciding on what courses of action the group can
take
Atmosphere
create a situation that will be
most favorable for interpersonal
communication
Number of Members in a Group
Six or eight members, with
possibly ten as the limit.
Seating Arrangement:
The seats should be arranged in
such a way that every member sees
everyone else’s face.
- The best arrangement is usually in
the form of a circle.
Length of the Discussion:
- minimum of 45 minutes
- 2 hours as an outside limit.
Composition of Group
The Role of the Leader
a. His neutral role: Not take sides
b. His positive task: Orderly interaction;
Getting members to speak
c. His main instrument: Understanding
Role of a Member
1. Share in Leadership
Classification:
a. Group-building roles – These aims to keep the
group together and help the members work with
each other.
- Encourager – praises, accepts and nod to get
others to speak
- Peace- maker – relieves tension by joking
- Efficiency expert – notices problems that block
the free functioning of the group and make
suggestions.
b. Task- oriented roles – These aim to help the group
solve the problem presented to it.
- Asker of questions – ask for clarifications
- Information giver – give facts
- Opinion – giver – state his/her belief
- Fiscalizer – examines the opinion thoroughly for
defects
- Elaborator – explains other members statements
- Orienter – summarize other statements/state of
discussion in relation to the goal.
- Harmonizer – unites diverse opinions
- energizer – suggest new ideas or activities/push
the group forward
c. Individualistic roles – These aim to satisfy an individual’s neurotic
needs rather than group needs, hence they tend to split the
group.
- Recognition – seeker – calls attention by talking loudly
- Disagreer – takes the other side without examining others
opinion
- Aggressor – attacks others personally
- Dominator – gives order. Manipulate others to his view
- Passive listener – uninvolved.
Similarities and Differences in
Interviewing and Group Discussion
Similarities:
Goals are directed a purpose of obtaining
information, giving suggestions and providing
guidance and support.
Both use verbal and non-verbal communication
Both require knowledge and skills.
Conducted in a relaxed and comfortable
atmosphere.
Differences
Interviewing
- Face-to-face interaction between two people.
- Face-to-face interaction between two
members.
- 45 minutes
Group Discussion
- Conversation of a group to share info on a
particular topic
- 6-8 but not more than 10
- 45 minutes – 2 hours.
