Business Communication
What is Grapevine Communication? Types of Grapevine
What is Grapevine Communication or Informal communication. If communication is done without maintaining the formalities
prescribed by the organization, it is called informal communication. The basis of informal communication is personal or informal
relationship between the members of a group. It is also known as grapevine that takes place when the people of an organization or
group, especially of same level or rank gather or meet tighter and discuss informally. It has no definite pattern or direction though it
is largely horizontal in nature. It is a complex web of oral information flow linking all the members of the organization. Definition of
Grapevine Communication, Meaning of Grapevine Communication, Types of Grapevine discussed below here-
What is Grapevine Communication
According to Bovee and Others, “Grapevine is an informal interpersonal channel of information not officially sanctioned by the
organization.
In the opinion of R.W. Griffin, “The grapevine is an informal communication network that can permeate an organization.”
Newstrom and K. Davis said, “Grapevine is an informal system that arises spontaneously from the social interaction of the
organization.” Business Communication
So, grapevine is an informal, unofficial and personal communication channel or system that takes place within the organization as a
result of rumor and gossip. It is a complex web of oral information flow linking all the members of the organization.
Patterns or Types of Grapevine
The grapevine does not have any definite pattern or direction, though it is largely horizontal in nature. It can be effective horizontally,
vertically and even diagonally. Prof. Keith Davis, who has done some research work on the nature of grapevine, has classified it into
four basic types-
Single Strand Chain: The single strand chain involves the passing of information through a line of persons to the ultimate
recipient. In the figure, the person A tells B, who tells C, who tells D, and so on, till the information has reached most of the
persons involved or concerned.
Gossip Chain: In the gossip chain, one person seeks and tells the information to everyone. This chain is just like the wheel
where one person stays at the centre and the information passes along the spokes of the wheel to others stationed on the
rim. In the following figure, A is at the center and passes the information to others staying on the rim of the wheel.
Probability Chain: The probability chain is a random process in which someone transmits the information to others in
accordance with the laws of probability and then these others tell still others in a similar way. This chain may also be
called random process. The probability chain is shown below-
Cluster Chain: In the cluster chain, a person tells the information to the selected persons who may in turn relay (pass) the
information to other selected persons. Most of the information communication follows this chain. Cluster chain is shown in -
Pros and Cons of Grapevine Communication
Advantages of Grapevine Communication
1. Grapevine channels carry information rapidly. As soon as an employee gets to know some
confidential information, he becomes inquisitive and passes the details then to his closest friend
who in turn passes it to other. Thus, it spreads hastily.
2. The managers get to know the reactions of their subordinates on their policies. Thus, the
feedback obtained is quick compared to formal channel of communication.
3. The grapevine creates a sense of unity among the employees who share and discuss their views
with each other. Thus, grapevine helps in developing group cohesiveness.
4. The grapevine serves as an emotional supportive value.
5. The grapevine is a supplement in those cases where formal communication does not work.
Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication
1. The grapevine carries partial information at times as it is more based on rumours. Thus, it does
not clearly depicts the complete state of affairs.
2. The grapevine is not trustworthy always as it does not follows official path of communication and
is spread more by gossips and unconfirmed report.
3. The productivity of employees may be hampered as they spend more time talking rather than
working.
4. The grapevine leads to making hostility against the executives.
5. The grapevine may hamper the goodwill of the organization as it may carry false negative
information about the high level people of the organization.
A smart manager should take care of all the disadvantages of the grapevine and try to minimize them. At
the same time, he should make best possible use of advantages of grapevine.
