ABSTRACT
In a leaderless group discussion (LGD), participants work in groups of 4-6 to solve a problem or make a decision within a specified period of time. There are two forms of LGDs: non-assigned role LGDs (the most common form of this exercise) and assigned role LGDs. In a nonassigned role LGD, all participants work toward a common goal (e.g., jointly solve an organizational problem). In contrast, in an assigned role LGD, each participant has a different goal (e.g., secure the biggest raise for one’s subordinate). Although both forms require cooperation to arrive at an equitable solution, assigned role LGDs add an element of competitiveness to the discussion process.
