Informal Communication
informal communication is the casual and
The
unofficial form ac
communication wherein the information is exchanged
spontaneously
isly between
two or morepersons without adhering to the prescribed official
rules, processess.
svstem. formalities and chain of command.
Since the informal communication
is based on
personal or informal relationships such as with friends.
it is free from the
peers, family,
organisational conventional rules and is beyond organizational
hierarchy.
The information communication is characterised by an indefinite channel
of communication, which means that there is
definite chain of command
no
through which the information flows. The information can flow from
anywhere.
Informal communication is classified into two
types:
I. Grapevine
2. Consensus
1. Grapevine
Since there is definite channel of communication, the informal
no
communication is also termed as grapevine. When the information
passes througn
many individuals and covers a long distance, it makes the origin obscure. Inis
vactly as a grapevine where it is difficult to locate beginning or end. Various
haracteristics ofgrapevine communication are as follows:
(a) Uncertain path: The flow of information is not well structured or
aterned rather it being without any set rules and regulations, follows no definite
patte
channel. It moves in any direction like a grapevine.
allows flow
b) Two types of information: This kind of communication
ofinformation regarding the work i.e the work environment, challenges being
as well as information regarding
faced, expectations from the organization etc.
faced by the
the individual. The efficiency level of an individual, problems
and relationship with fellow employees- the complete feedback is
employee
communication.
possible in grapevine
social relations : Flow of information
is beyond
(c) Formation through
Since the channel does not observe the
the restrictions of the organisation.
employees and authorities who are good at
superior- subordinate relationship,
others.
establishing social relationships
can gather more information than
Informal communication does
transmission of information :
(d) Quick
the information flows more easily
not have to follow chain of command
so
and at a much greater pace.
Grapevine Chain
states that there can be four possible configuration of
Keith Davis (1980)
grapevine
Grapevin
Single strand Gossip chain Probability Cluster chain
chain chain
) Single Strand Chain
one individual lets say,
Information in single strand chain flows from A
continues likewise i.e. B to C, C ta
another, let's say, B and the network
n
of information.
and so on. This affords very less chance of validation
Y
T
D
A
Single Strand Chain
(ii) Gossip Chain
Information in gossip chain is shared
by an individual with a group of people.
Gossip Chain
(iii) Probability Chain
Carmation flows randomly from one person to
any other person or
persons
ng
ecording to
to the law of orobability. The
recipient of the message is not
he information reaches some people of the
chosen and1 the
cifically
pecit organisation
others remain outside the sphere of the communication.
while
Probability Chain Network
(iv) Cluster Chain
communication.
of grapevine
Cluster chain is the most frequently used pattern
selected individuals. These receivers of
with
An individual shares information
sender of information and further
the role of the
message then take on
Communicate the same to several people.
A
Cluster Chain Network
