Introduction to Grapevine Communication
Effective communication is critical for managers in organizations to perform the basic management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
Communication assists managers in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. Communication lays the groundwork for planning. All critical information must be communicated to managers, who must then communicate the plans in order for them to be implemented.
The backbone of any organization is communication. It is communication that enables a small group of people to effectively manage thousands of people. Communication modes and styles vary from person to person and location to location. The way we communicate with our seniors is completely different from how we communicate with our companions. A formal communication between a person of higher authority and a person of lower designation is common.
In the most common scenario, there is always a source of informal information in every group who knew everything going on in the company and he/she is very proud to share information to other peers and colleagues.
However, in the case of people with the same designation, the situation is exactly the opposite. As a result, the term “grapevine communication” must be defined.
Grapevine Communication definition: “Grapevine communication is defined as an unstructured and informal network based on social relationships as opposed to organizational charts or job descriptions.”
What is Grapevine Communication?
Grapevine communication is a channel through which actual communication between various troops of the organization occurs and the desired outcome is obtained. It moves through the organization in every direction because it is unstructured and not completely under management’s control.
It moves up, down, and diagonally, within and outside of chains of command, between workers and managers, and even within and outside of a company.
Informal communication occurs when communication occurs without adhering to the formalities established by the organization.
The foundation of informal communication is a personal or informal relationship between group members. It is also known as “grapevine, and it occurs when members of an organization or group, particularly those of the same level or rank, gather or meet closely and discuss informally.
It has no discernible pattern or direction, despite being primarily horizontal in nature. It is a complex web of oral information flow that connects all of the organization’s members.
As a result of rumor and gossip, the “grapevine” is an informal, unofficial, and personal communication channel or system that occurs within the organization. It is a complex web of oral communication.
Also Read: Team Building Tips for New Managers
Types of Grapevine Communication
The grapevine communication has no distinct pattern or direction. It can be used horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Prof. Keith Davis, who has studied the nature of grapevine, has classified it into four basic types. –
- Single Strand Chain: The single strand chain involves the transmission of information from one person to the next. Person A informs B, who informs C, who informs D, and so on, until the majority of those involved or concerned have been informed.
- Gossip Chain: In the gossip chain, one person seeks and spreads information. This chain functions similarly to a wheel, with one person at the center and information passing along the spokes of the wheel to others stationed on the rim. As, A is in the center and relays information to the others while remaining on the wheel’s rim.
- Probability Chain: A probability chain is a random process in which someone transmits information to others in accordance with probability laws, and then these others tell even more people in a similar manner. This chain is also known as a random process.
- Cluster Chain: In the cluster chain, a person relays information to selected individuals, who may then relay (pass) the information to additional selected individuals. This chain is followed by the majority of information communication.
What is the importance of Grapevine Communication?
Grapevine communication is a convenient way to send messages that are inappropriate for formal channels. You’ve probably seen something similar at work. When information needs to be used quickly, the manager uses the informal or grapevine method rather than formal channels such as emails.
Grapevine accelerates the feedback loop as well. When used correctly, grapevine communication can provide useful feedback to management, which can then be used to design actions for the benefit of the employees.
Grapevine provides a wealth of information, thoughts, opinions, and feelings that traditional communication channels do not. Because those messages are considered confidential, or because the formal channels of communication are insufficient to disseminate them, or because they have the appearance of gossip. When informal communication channels are required to meet human communication demands, the grapevine is unavoidable and helpful. Indeed, an astute top manager would do well to provide it with reliable data, as it is very effective at achieving corporate goals.
Also Read: Common Mistakes to Avoid as a First Time Manager
The Advantages of Grapevine Communication
- Immediate Feedback
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, which in the case of the grapevine is also quick. The rumor’s feedback quickly reaches the person who started the rumor.
- The group’s cohesion
Grapevine gossips are frequently used to bring people together and make them pleasant. As a result of gossip, employee interaction increases, which immediately improves the workability of any organization.
- Proliferate quickly
One of the benefits of grapevine communication is that it keeps employees informed. Any news, good or bad, reaches everyone and allows them to respond appropriately.
- Replace a formal communication channel
Formal communication, as we all know, takes time due to the formalities involved.
- Explanation
Information is provided at the management level if the system is formal. Staff, on the other hand, can inquire about information at any time. This is critical for task completion.
- Recommendations are spread
In this system, the staff informs the elders of their wishes. They discuss their issues and how to solve them. Employees can now make recommendations to elders.
Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication?
- It is difficult to control.
There are no ground rules in the informal system. It becomes difficult to control the spread of knowledge.
- Sparks Non-cooperation
This method can sometimes foster a culture of non-cooperation and unhealthy competition among employees. They may end up hurting each other in open debates. It’s possible they won’t want to collaborate. There is a chance that the company will become inefficient.
- The spread of rumors at breakneck speed
Rumors spread quickly through the grapevine. It is possible that the actual data will change and become incorrect.
- Causes Misunderstanding
The staff does not follow the formal chain of command in the grapevine system. This can lead to misunderstandings.
- The information is not kept secret indefinitely.
The majority of conversations in this system are public. Things don’t stay hidden for very long.
How to Manage Grapevine Communication in an Organization?
- Make communication more consistent.
Managers and supervisors can use the grapevine to their advantage by providing collaboration tools as mediums for informal conversations, demonstrating to employees that they are open to communication outside of formal boundaries. This ensures that employees are involved and heard while avoiding resentment.
- Develop intent and execute contextually
Employers can interact with their employees on a regular basis and participate in their communications. This will increase employer-employee trust and strengthen their bond, encouraging employees to collaborate with management more naturally and reducing the need to spread false information.
- Determine influencers
Look for people who share information quickly and have an impact on grapevine communication. Connect with them and comprehend their need and desire to do so. Identify solutions and use these employees as communication leaders in emergencies or in the absence of a superior. Transparency with employees eliminates the need to disseminate potential misinformation.
- Go over corporate policies.
Set boundaries for informal conversations to avoid upsetting the organization’s goodwill. Establish a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, discrimination, or inflammatory remarks. These must be forbidden. Share daily and weekly updates with the staff to foster trust, reduce uncertainty, and promote healthy grapevine communication.
Conclusion
In today’s world, grapevine communication is unavoidable. You’re unlikely to be able to get it out of the office. In some ways, managers should be grateful for the presence of the grapevine; it implies that your employees trust one another and communicate with one another. Grapevine communication, on the other hand, has the potential to quickly spiral out of control if not carefully managed.
Keep communication channels open and maintain transparency within the company to limit grapevine communications. Managers, on the other hand, cannot afford to ignore informal communication channels. Employers who choose not to listen to the grapevine have 50% less reliable information than those who do, according to a study.
It is critical to monitor the various grapevine paths and limit negative gossip. But don’t forget to encourage positive grapevine communication. Employees want to communicate with one another in a way that is truly human, not just read memos.
Frequently Asked Questions
The grapevine is an Informal business communication channel. It’s termed that because it stretches in all directions throughout the corporation, regardless of authority levels. Man is a sociable animal, as we all know. Despite the presence of formal channels in an organization, when he interacts with other people in the organization, informal channels tend to arise. It’s more common at lower organizational levels.
Grapevine usually grows for a variety of causes. One of them is that employees feel apprehensive when their company is experiencing a recession. Employees may sometimes organize unions as a result of a lack of self-confidence. Managers sometimes demonstrate favoritism and favor some employees over others, creating a sense of segregation among the workforce. When employees feel the need to express themselves, they turn to the grapevine network since they are unable to do so through the formal channels of communication.
For Example-
- Assume a company’s profit margin is known. The rumour is that there is thus much profit, and a bonus is given on that premise.
- It’s possible that the CEO and the Production Manager are related. It’s possible that they’ll get along fine.
- The Risk of Distortion,
- An Increase in Misconceptions,
- No Indication of Where It Began,
- Increasing the Gap Between Senior Management and Employees, and
- Using Grapevine Communication to Achieve Positive Results.