Grapevine Communication
Dr. Subarna Bhattacharya
Faculty, KSOH
Grapevine Communication
• The informal communication or casual social interaction between the
people within the organization is known as Grapevine Communication.
• It is related to the informal communication that happens between the
people within the organization. It is known to enhance the feedback
loop and the speed at which information is spread within an
organization.
• Grapevine is a form of informal communication that operates both in internal and
external informal channels, which can contribute to and benefit the organization.
• Grapevine operates both in internal and external informal channels. It passes
opinions, suspicions, and rumors that generally do not move through formal
channels.
• It is governed by social and personal relationships rather than officially recognized
rules and formalities.
• By nature, the grapevine is a channel of horizontal communication. However, it is
not fixed and information may flow horizontally, vertically, or diagonally without
following any set rule.
4 Patterns or Types of Grapevine / Informal
Communication Network
The grapevine communication is usually horizontal in nature. But it can
be horizontal, vertical and diagonal. The types are -
ØSingle Strand Chain.
ØGossip Chain.
ØProbability Chain.
ØCluster Chain.
Single Strand Network
The Single Strand Network represents an informal communication
network in which one person conveys a message to another person,
who then communicates it to yet another person. This relay of
information gradually spreads but may encounter interruptions along
the way.
Gossip Network
In the Gossip Network, one person serves as the source of information
and shares the message with everyone. Here, a single individual
disseminates the message to all others who come to know it. This
network tends to have a lower likelihood of information distortion
since it originates from one source.
Probability Network
The Probability Network is an informal communication network in
which each liaison individual randomly shares the same message with
others.
In this network, the source of information for each person receiving the
message is different. Consequently, the potential for information
distortion is relatively high due to multiple sources.
Cluster Network
The Cluster Network is an informal communication network in which
one person initially shares a piece of information with three individuals.
Out of these three, one passes it on to two more individuals, but only
one of those two individuals shares it with another person. Notably,
only specific individuals within the cluster pattern tend to repeat what
they hear.
Factors Affecting Grapevine/Informal
Communication Networks
Grapevine is an inevitable part of the formal organization. There are
certain factors that affect the formation of an informal communication
network in an organization. The factors are :
• Inadequacy of the Formal Network
• Crisis Situations
• Active Formal Channels
• Time
• Need for Richer Channels
• Organizational Slack
Ways to Make Grapevine Communication
Beneficial for the Organization
• Providing real news to the grapevine initiators
• Considering grapevine as a pulse-feeling tool
• Contradicting the false rumor
• Allowing workers in the decision-making process
• Developing good organizational climate
Reasons Why Grapevine Communication Exists in
Organizations
6 reasons why grapevine communication happens in organization-
• The emotional factor
• Existence of Informal and Peer Groups.
• Exceptional Information/Events/Occurences
• The Nature of the Job Itself.
• Talkative Nature and Suspicious Attitude of Employees
• The Organizational Climate
