Grapevine
communication
Ms Reena
Grapevine communication
• What is Grapevine Communication?
Grapevine communication is informal workplace dialogue
in its purest form: it is characterized by conversations
between employees and superiors that do not follow any
prescribed structure or rule-based system. Grapevine
communication spreads rapidly and likely touches each
person throughout the organization.
Characteristics of Grapevine Communication
The following are some of the characteristics of grapevine communication:
• • • • •
Oral Mostly Open to change Quick Crosses Inaccurate
undocumented organizational
boundaries
Characteristics of Grapevine Communication
The following are some of the characteristics of grapevine communication:
• • •
Exaggeration of Informal and
Mostly intra
the most Spontaneous
organizational
dramatic details
Reasons for Development of Grapevine
Employees rely on the grapevine when:
• Communication from management is limited
• They are under stress
• They are insecure
• They feel threatened
Types of Grapevine Communication
There are four types of grapevine chains.
They are:
Single strand chain
Gossip chain
Probability chain
Cluster chain
Grapevine Patterns
Single Strand Chain
A B C D E
A Single Strand Chain consists of one on one interaction. In such an interaction, A
says something to B who then relays it to C and so on. It is the least accurate of the
four chains and with the increase of transit points the chances of distortion and
deletion increase.
Gossip Chain
B C
D A E
F G
The Gossip Chain is characterized by a group of people gathering to discuss matters
of mutual interest. Here one person seeks out and tells everyone the news that
he/she has gathered. It is used to relay interesting bits of news that may not be job
oriented.
Probability Chain
B
F
A
D C
In the Probability Chain, the message is passed on randomly without direction or
method. The choice of recipient depends on the sender’s will, situation or context.
Sender is indifferent to or not interested in the receiver he chooses.
Cluster Chain
B L
A D
P E
The Cluster Chain is the most popular grapevine pattern. Information is passed on a
selective basis to a few members only. The first sender informs a few chosen individuals
who again pass on the information to individuals of their choice or keep the
information to themselves. Choice of recipient depends on the content and intent of
the message as well as the relationship between the members of the group.
Advantages of Grapevine Communication
Advantages
Speedy spread of information: Grapevine
channels carry information rapidly. The
information passes from one person to another
rapidly.
Receipt of fast feedback: The managers get to
know the reactions of their subordinates on their
policies. The feedback obtained is quick compared
to formal channel of communication.
Sense of unity: The grapevine creates a sense of
unity among the employees who share and
discuss their views with each other. It helps to
develop group cohesiveness.
Provides emotional support: The grapevine serves
as an emotional supportive value.
Free expression of ideas: The grapevine serves as
a means of free expression of ideas by employees.
Advantages of Grapevine Communication
Advantages
Supplement to formal channel: The grapevine
serves as a supplement to the formal channel of
communication. The grapevine serves as a
supplement in those cases where formal
communication does not work.
Psychological satisfaction: Grapevine disperses
stress and tension and makes the work
environment healthy. It is a channel for
articulating frustrations, fears, reservations and
elation.
Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication
Disadvantages
Partial information: The grapevine carries partial
information at times as it is more based on
rumours. Thus, it does not clearly depict the
complete state of affairs.
Not trustworthy: The grapevine does not follow
official path of communication and hence, is not
always trustworthy. It is spread more by gossips
and unconfirmed report.
Hampering of productivity: Grapevine
communication may hamper productivity of
employees as they spend more time talking rather
than working.
Leads to hostility: The grapevine may generate
hostility among employees due to the spread of
gossip and rumours.
Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication
Disadvantages
Hamper goodwill of organization: The grapevine
may hamper the goodwill of the organization as it
may carry false negative information about the
high level management of the organization.
Lack of accountability: Rumours have no source
point. Informal communication does not allow
laying responsibility on anyone and in case of an
issue, it is not possible to find the source of
information.
How can Grapevine be controlled?
