Understanding Workplace Grapevine Communication
The most vital element of an organization is its staff management technique. Grapevine is a tool available to management that can provide influence over employees without causing bitterness. It offers an alternative path for exchanging information without following the tedious formal communication paths. It is neither pre-planned nor deliberately initiated by management. It is not written but oral. Furthermore, it is not confined to a particular direction, but spreads like a grapevine. The formal channels of communication are systematic, but not speedy or spontaneous. Formal methods are slow and expensive, whereas the grapevine is inexpensive and the most rapid oral method of transmitting information to a maximum number of recipients. Grapevine is described as the barometer of public opinion within the organization. Hence, ‘Grapevine’ is defined as an “unstructured and informal network formed on social relationships rather than organizational charts or job descriptions. It is actually an informal vehicle through which messages flow throughout the organization.” Grapevine is a channel through which actual communication between various groups within the organization takes place and can influence outcomes. Since it is unstructured and not under complete control of management, it moves through the organization in every direction. It moves upward, downward, diagonally, within and outside chains of command, between workers and managers, and even within and outside a company. This indicates that grapevine communication does not follow a structural path.
Advantages of Grapevine Communication
- Helps in Completion of Work: Information is often given by top-level management through the formal system. Employees can easily seek clarification through the informal system. Thus, the grapevine system plays a vital role in interpreting and completing work.
- Helps to Address Grievances: Through the informal system, employees can express their needs, sentiments, and emotions to authority without hesitation.
- Alternative Way to Reach Employees: Management cannot disseminate all information effectively through the formal system. The informal system bridges the gap and provides an alternative way to reach employees.
- Improves Relationships: Problems between workers and management can be resolved more easily through an informal system. So, it fosters good relationships among employees and management.
Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication
- Not Trustworthy: Grapevine is not trustworthy because it does not follow official communication paths and is often spread through gossip and unconfirmed reports.
- Wrong Information: Most of the time, rumors are created, sometimes to make an individual appear knowledgeable about a particular matter.
- Hampers Goodwill: Grapevine can damage the goodwill of the organization or any particular individual.
Conclusion on Grapevine Communication
Grapevine communication among employees and management cannot be stopped, even if upper management attempts to do so. As communication is a spontaneous activity, an organization cannot stop or prevent it. However, it can be used positively as a communication channel between employees and management within the organization.