Group Discussion (GD) is the integral part of final selection process at most of the B-schools.
MBAUniverse.com brings to you a series of real account of GD, PI, WAT round at Top B School for admission in the session 2013-15.
Given below is the realistic account of Group Discussion with 8 candidates for admission to one of the top Business school.
GD topic – Business lobbying be made legal in India.
Raman- Friends, I am Raman and would like to begin the discussion since time is short. Our country is passing through the fierce debates on Lobbying. The print and electronic media have been discussing this issue as it directly affects the lower income groups. Lobbying in fact are the attempts made by certain Corporate Groups to influence the direction of legislative policy of a country or state in such a manner so as to bring benefits to them and safeguard their interests.
Sushma- (Interrupting) I think let us have your views instead of wasting our time on defining lobbying.
Raman In fact, if we do not have clarity on the topic, we may not be able to express our views on it. Nevertheless, let me share my views. India does not have any clear regulation for or against lobbying, especially when it comes by the name of lobbying. But it is not legal either.
Sushma Friends, in my view allowing business lobbying will mean legalising an illegal activity. Lobbyists will give the corruption legal term. The politicians, influential people, will still garner their share from the lobbyists at the National cost.
Sudarshan- I beg to differ, Sushma. Lobbying industry helps their clients in understanding the policy environment of the country. They help them in identifying key players and their positions in the policy area. The key players could be political parties, bureaucrats, Central government, panchayat government etc.
Udai – No, I disagree. If the thefts, dacoities, smuggling continue despite the presence of law enforcing agencies, it doesnt mean that we should make them legal. In my view Lobbying must be declared a criminal activity and if running in any form, should be stopped. Our country is already facing many problems, it should not be added to it. Everyone should agree with me.
Rajan Oh yes, Raman you are right. I also think on the same lines. The person or the company lobbying for certain favour cannot lobby till our government, legislative body- Parliament or the state legislature have not considered some path to move on.
Abhinav Friends, there is no doubt that business lobbying has become one of the most debatable issues in the country. Whenever India has gone for some big leap in policy framing that favoured Corporates in one or other way the issue of lobbying has always come up. Whether it was Enron Dabhol power project in Maharashtra, Foreign Investment in corporate sector, big defence purchases, Infrastructure development and now Foreign Direct Investment in multi brand retail- all have been shadowed by the issue of lobbying.
Krishna kumar – Well, Making lobbying legal will bring forth open debates and discussions on all the forums. It will become possible to understand for one and all which option might be better. These lobbyists and representatives of their companies will openly participate in such debates with the pros and cons on the performance and product. Lobbying in fact brings more competitiveness but making lobbying legal will be harmful- the lobbying should not be made legal in India.
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Expert feedback – The group overall actively participated.
1. Raman Top rated in the group and recommended
2. Sushma Not recommended
3. Sudarshan Rated 3rd in the group. Recommended if more than two are required from the group.
4. Udai Not recommended.
5. Rajan Not recommended.
6. Aparajita Not recommended
7. Abhinav Rated 2nd recommended.
8. Krishna Kumar – Not recommended.
For more real account of GD, PI and WAT round visit the URL below:
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