Objective

• Explain what is Grapevine Communication

• Describe the Characteristics of Grapevine

Communication

• Describe the Types of Grapevine Communication

• Explain ways of Managing the Grapevine

Communication

• Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of

Grapevine Communication
Introduction

Look at the conversation between two employees of an MNC.

 Introduction

You can see that

John and Mark are
It is evident that
talking about an John and Mark are
this is not the right Let us learn more
upcoming vacancy involved in what is
way to talk about about grapevine
and promotion that known as grapevine
something they do communication
they do not have communication
not know about
any official news
about
 What is Grapevine Communication?

Grapevine Communication
is an informal channel of
business communication Grapevine is called so
because it spreads at all
levels irrespective of the
It is mostly found in low authority level.
levels of an
organization Though formal channels exist,
the informal channels develops
when people interact with
Grapevine cannot be used as
others in an organization.
formal communication
channel. It provides a channel
for issues.
 Examples of Grapevine Communication

CEO may have friendly relations with the Production

Manager. The CEO may tell the Production Manager
about an upcoming takeover of another company by
their organization. The Production Manager spreads
such news without the formal announcement of this
news through the right organizational channels

A company has not yet declared its annual

profits. Yet, rumours spread about the figures
of profit of the company and about the
amount of bonus that will be declared based
on such profits
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 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
 Types of Grapevine Communication

There are four types of grapevine chains.

They are:

Single strand chain

Gossip chain

Probability chain

Cluster chain
 Reasons for Development of Grapevine

Employees rely on the grapevine when:

There is pending change

Communication from
They are under stress
management is limited

They are insecure

They feel threatened

Managing the Grapevine Communication

It is important
to understand that it is not
possible to completely
abolish or stop the
grapevine activity in an
organization
 Effective Use of the Grapevine

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

It can be used to keep

employees up-to-date with
organizational policy
matter plans, and
prospects in order to check
speculation
Advantages of Grapevine Communication

Advantages

Speedy spread of information

Receipt of fast feedback

Sense of unity

Provides emotional support

Free expression of ideas

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