Grapevine Communication
Grapevine Communication is a method of informal and unofficial form of
communication held in a workplace. It does not have any defined structure
or agenda and is carried out by the people in an organization in the form of
rumors, gossip, false statements, and half-truths.The name roots out from
the vine of grapes spreading out in all directions. Grapevine represents that
information conveyed in this method of communication spreads very
quickly and without any boundary. It is an integral part of the
communication channels of any organization and can be as detrimental as
well as beneficial for the company.Grapevine communication is associated
with horizontal communication taking place between people of equal levels
in an organization. It forms a network of intertwined individuals across
different departments in the company.In business, the grapevine is the
informal communication network that exists within the organization. It
represents the unofficial channels through which information, both accurate
and inaccurate, spread among employees. It can provide valuable insights
and foster employee connections.
What are the Different Types of Grapevine
Communication?
1. Single-strand chain: A single-strand chain follows a single line
of transmission. For example, A tells B, B tells C, C tells D, and so on. A
long generally is associated with more filters and distortion in the message.
2. Probability chain
Interesting but unimportant information flowing in random order across
individuals in an organization is a part of the probability chain. This
transmission of information happens from anybody to anybody.
3. Gossip chain
A gossip chain contains a group of individuals in an organization who
gather together to discuss topics of mutual interest. These topics are
usually insignificant to the workplace.
4. Cluster chain
In a Cluster Chain, individuals share information with a few trusted
individuals who then pass it on to other trusted individuals, forming a
network for informal communication.
What are the Types of Rumors in Grapevine
Communication?
1. Wedge Drivers Rumor
Wedge drivers are known for circulating harmful rumors with aggressive
and unfriendly intent. For example, they might falsely allege that Company
X engages in fraudulent business practices, damaging its reputation.
2. Home Stretchers Rumor
Home stretchers rumours are rumours that arise in anticipation of final
decisions or announcements, serving to bridge the gap during periods of
uncertainty.
3. Wish Fulfilment Rumour
Wishful fulfilment rumours express hopes and inspire creativity. They lead
to solutions and increased efficiency in specific departments as employees
desire changes in the workplace.
4. Bogey Rumor
Bogey rumors are fear-driven rumors arising from employee anxieties,
causing uneasiness, especially during financial constraints like budget cuts.
These damaging rumors, such as layoff speculations, necessitate formal
management rebuttals.
What are the Characteristics of Grapevine
Communication?
Grapevine communication is sometimes considered a very effective form of
communication as it can pass on information very quickly and extensively.
It can make any kind of information reach all levels of an organization in a
very easy way.
The 10 most important characteristics of grapevine communication are
listed below.
1. Very Impactful
The grapevine is widely trusted by a significant number of employees in the
firm.
Many employees rely on the grapevine as their main source of information
and a trustworthy channel for communication regarding facts and events
within the organization.
2. Highly flexible
Formal forms of communication require following norms and procedures.
Communication in the grapevine is flexible and free of formalities.
3. Information distortion
As information is passed on through various points or individuals without
any proof or documentation, it is mostly distorted. Information in a
grapevine is not trustworthy and cannot provide validation.
4. Follows oral methods
Communication is a grapevine that follows oral communication methods
instead of written channels like emails, memos, etc. This makes it an easy
communication method.
5. Implicit information
Lots of unsaid information that is not included in formal meetings are
included in grapevine communication. This makes it more interesting for
employees.
6. Comprehensive
The grapevine contains everybody in the organization in its network. In
most cases, no individual in the organization escapes the grapevine.
7. Fast-paced
Information in a grapevine travels very fast from one point to several other
points.
8. Huge audience
Since the grapevine network is widespread, it has a huge number of
listeners. Although individuals may not pass on information, they sure do
listen to them.
9. Strong hold
Grapevine communication can pierce through secure networks and make
information pass through anything. It, therefore, is considered a very
effective means of communication.
10. Inconsistent knowledge
Knowledge flowing through a grapevine cannot be validated or relied on. It
can change its forms and shapes at any point due to distortion by
individuals involved.
Where does Grapevine Communication
Exist in the Organization?
Grapevine communication takes place in the workplace where employees
engage in gossip groups and informal communication channels. According
to research, only 10% of employees in an organization engage in grapevine
communication. Employees who take part in these conversations and pass
on information to other individuals are the key communicators of the
grapevine.
The grapevine also takes place at the management level between
managers of different departments. Most lower and middle managers are a
part of it and sometimes use it to learn what information is being revolved
around the organization.
How can Organizations Manage Grapevine
Communication Effectively?
The grapevine communication channel is the most active during times of
uncertainty in an organization. Hence, organizations must clearly
communicate with their employees through formal channels about ongoing
issues. A regular flow of accurate information from trusted sources will
reduce the spread of rumours and prevent the enlargement of the
grapevine.Formal channels must release factual information and all lines of
communication must be open for employees to ask queries. Some of the
best practices for managing grapevine communication effectively are:
● Keeping employees informed through announcements.
● Having approachable management and leaders.
● Avoiding communication of unnecessary information.
● Practising open communication channels.
● Focusing internal influencers.
● Creating an ask-and-answer channel.
● Preparing or training employees for rumours.
How can rumors and gossip in grapevine
communication be addressed and mitigated?
To address rumors and gossip in grapevine communication: incorporate
transparent and timely official communication fostering trust, encouraging
dialogue, leading by example, monitoring and addressing misinformation,
and providing training on effective communication. These strategies help
organizations manage and mitigate the negative impact of rumors.
What are the Examples of Grapevine
Communication?
Here are 2 examples of grapevine communication
1. New project development: Employees in an organization catch wind of a
new project that is being quietly developed within the company. The
information spreads quickly and generates anticipation among colleagues.
This unofficial knowledge allows employees to prepare themselves
mentally and brainstorm ideas ahead of any formal announcement. This
fosters a sense of engagement and proactive involvement in the upcoming
initiative.
2. Layoff rumor: Within the grapevine communication network, employees
start to hear whispers about a potential round of layoffs in the company.
This unsettling rumor spreads rapidly, causing the grapevine to become a
breeding ground for speculation, anxiety, and uncertainty. The negative
nature of this rumor highlights how the grapevine can amplify and
propagate unsettling information. This leads to heightened stress and
decreased morale among employees.
What are the Advantages of Grapevine
Communication?
Here are 4 advantages of grapevine communication:
1. Quick Feedback Mechanism
The topics discussed in the grapevine network act as a feedback
mechanism for the company on its policies and procedures. Not only is it
quick to respond to new processes in the organization, but also has high
engagement from all employees.
2. Provides a channel to address grievances
Grapevine communication allows employees to talk about their needs and
requirements in an unrestricted environment with no hierarchical barriers.
3. Communication with time efficiency
The flow of information in the grapevine requires less time and hence
communication is made more efficient. Managers can leverage grapevine
communication to enhance organizational communication in a faster and
more productive way.
4. Fosters employee connections
One of the most important elements that bring employees closer to
becoming friends in an organization is gossip (a form of grapevine.) Deeper
employee connections increase job satisfaction and in the end, help in
retaining the employee.
What are the Disadvantages of Grapevine
Communication?
Here are 4 disadvantages of grapevine communication:
1. Causes further stress
During situations of uncertainty, these grapevine communications can
increase stress and anxiety among employees causing further havoc.
2. Induces misunderstandings
Since this form of communication has no formal authorization or procedure,
voices may go unheard or suppressed. It can also lead to
misunderstandings.
3. Invalid information
Since information is passed on quickly, the validity of it is not maintained
which causes unreliable and false information to circulate around the
organization.
4. Restricts goodwill
There is a chance that the real agenda of the information becomes
distorted and comes out with a negative connotation. This can restrict the
goodwill of the company as well as individuals.
What is technology’s influence on
grapevine communication?
Technology has had a significant influence on grapevine communication,
both in terms of its facilitation and its impact. Here are some ways in which
technology has influenced grapevine communication:
● Faster and wider: Technology accelerates the speed and widens the
reach of grapevine communication.
● Greater independence: Anonymity and privacy features in technology
encourage freer sharing of information.
● Amplification of information: Rumors can be rapidly amplified through
technology.
● More reach: Global connectivity through technology expands the
grapevine network.
● Documentation of communication: Technology enables the
documentation and preservation of information in grapevine
communication.
Social media and applications like WhatsApp being used on a regular basis
make the grapevine even faster. Short messages in the form of tweets,
updates, or stories have a larger influence on people than hour-long
meetings and discussions. This also comes in the form of online gossiping
which can be a boon or bane for an organization.
The audience over the internet is highly sensitive. Small conflicts can rage
up large audiences through social media. Hence, companies must be
mindful of the grapevine network happening in the virtual world while
keeping a check on the real work networks.
What are the Factors Affecting Grapevine
Communication?
1. Homogeneity
A homogenous organization encourages more informal communication
such as grapevine.
2. Poor formal communication
Grapevine Communications bridges the gap in an organization where
official communication is not up to par. Uninformed employees foster
rumors and gossip.
3. Informal social groups
The information that flows in these groups acts as sidelines to formal
meetings. It can lead to conflict and anxiety in mismanaged organizations.
4. Personal agenda
People may engage in grapevine conversations to uplift their personal
status and make them feel accepted in social settings. This is also a cause
of the spreading of rumors.
5. Nature of people
Some individuals in the organization like grasping attention and
manipulating situations in their favor. They encourage grapevine
communication to validate their points of view.
