What is Grapevine Communication? Types of Grapevine, Advantages and Disadvantages of 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.”

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 the following figure-

Advantages of Grapevine Communication

1. Speed

Grapevine communication is highly rapid and can be used to send messages very quickly.

2. Valuable Feedback

The grapevine provides a valuable feedback to the management, if it is used intelligently.

3. Check on Emotions

Grapevine communication is an indicator of the employee's interest in their work because the grapevine serves as an emotional outlet for workers.

4. Morale Booster

Grapevine communication can act as a morale booster because it can be used effectively by the management for transmitting good and positive ideas.

Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication

1. Spreads Rumors

Grapevine carries Malicious and damaging rumors, which can create a Suspicious and tense environment in the company.

2. Distorts Messages

At times, details of a message are lost, as it is subject to filtering by many people. Sometimes people may add new details to it.

3. Affects Productivity

A grapevine, at times can seriously hamper the development or productivity of a company.

4. Lacks Control

A grapevine carries messages so quickly that it is difficult to control or regulate the flow of Communication.