📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide

🏛️ Should There Be Age Limits for Holding Political Office?

🌟 Introduction to the Topic

Age limits in political leadership are debated globally, with arguments centered on experience versus generational diversity in policymaking. For B-school students, this topic offers insights into leadership, governance, and democratic inclusivity.

Age limits for political roles have been implemented in various forms worldwide. For instance, countries like the USA have minimum age limits, while others debate upper age caps. This discourse gained momentum with global demographic shifts and evolving societal priorities.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• Global Average Age of Leaders: 62 years (highlighting a generational gap in governance).
• Youth in Parliaments: Only 2.6% of MPs worldwide are under 30 (source: UNDP).
• India’s Median Age: 28 years, but average politician’s age exceeds 55.
• Countries with Age Caps: Singapore mandates retirement for certain roles at 65.

👥 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Government Bodies: Implement age-related electoral reforms.
• Political Parties: Facilitate youth inclusion in leadership.
• Civil Society Organizations: Advocate for balanced representation.
• Youth Movements: Push for age-diverse governance.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

🎯 Achievements

• Experience in Leadership: Older leaders often bring institutional knowledge.
• Policy Stability: Continuity in leadership fosters long-term reforms.
• Global Cases: The USA, with no upper age limit, retains seasoned policymakers.

⚠️ Challenges

• Generational Disconnect: Policies may not resonate with younger demographics.
• Health Concerns: Age-related issues can hinder efficiency.
• Global Comparisons: Finland’s young leadership contrasts with aging leadership in many nations.
• Case Study: New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern became PM at 37, showcasing the impact of younger leaders.

🗨️ Structured Arguments for Discussion

• Supporting Stance: “Introducing age caps ensures generational equity and reflects societal demographics.”
• Opposing Stance: “Experience and wisdom, not age, should define political eligibility.”
• Balanced Perspective: “While experience is valuable, a mix of age groups promotes holistic governance.”

💡 Effective Discussion Approaches

• Opening Approaches:
  • Use statistics: “With India’s median age at 28, leadership should mirror its demographic reality.”
  • Highlight contrasts: “Countries like Finland have thrived with younger leaders, unlike many aging democracies.”
• Counter-Argument Handling:
  • Rebut age-bias arguments with examples of young successful leaders.
  • Acknowledge older leaders’ contributions while emphasizing inclusivity.

📋 Strategic Analysis (SWOT)

• Strengths: Experience, historical knowledge.
• Weaknesses: Generational disconnect, reduced adaptability.
• Opportunities: Youth participation, tech-driven policies.
• Threats: Resistance to change, potential loss of expertise.

🔗 Connecting with B-School Applications

• Real-World Applications: Governance reforms, leadership diversity studies.
• Sample Interview Questions:
  • “How does generational diversity impact policymaking?”
  • “What leadership traits matter more—experience or innovation?”
• Insights for Students:
  • The topic’s relevance in leadership studies.
  • Implications for change management in organizations.