Grapevine Communication

What is Grapevine Communication?

Grapevine Communication is a method of informal and unofficial form of communication held in a workplace. It does not have any defined structure or agenda and is carried out by the people in an organization in the form of rumors, gossip, false statements, and half-truths.

The name roots out from the vine of grapes spreading out in all directions. Grapevine represents that information conveyed in this method of communication spreads very quickly and without any boundary. It is an integral part of the communication channels of any organization and can be as detrimental as well as beneficial for the company.

Grapevine communication is associated with horizontal communication taking place between people of equal levels in an organization. It forms a network of intertwined individuals across different departments in the company.

In business, the grapevine is the informal communication network that exists within the organization. It represents the unofficial channels through which information, both accurate and inaccurate, spread among employees. It can provide valuable insights and foster employee connections.

What are the Different Types of Grapevine Communication?

1. Single-strand chain

A single-strand chain follows a single line of transmission. For example, A tells B, B tells C, C tells D, and so on. A long generally is associated with more filters and distortion in the message.

2. Probability chain

Interesting but unimportant information flowing in random order across individuals in an organization is a part of the probability chain. This transmission of information happens from anybody to anybody.

3. Gossip chain

A gossip chain contains a group of individuals in an organization who gather together to discuss topics of mutual interest. These topics are usually insignificant to the workplace.

4. Cluster chain

In a Cluster Chain, individuals share information with a few trusted individuals who then pass it on to other trusted individuals, forming a network for informal communication.

What are the Types of Rumors in Grapevine Communication?

1. Wedge Drivers Rumor

Wedge drivers are known for circulating harmful rumors with aggressive and unfriendly intent. For example, they might falsely allege that Company X engages in fraudulent business practices, damaging its reputation.

2. Home Stretchers Rumor

Home stretchers rumors are rumors that arise in anticipation of final decisions or announcements, serving to bridge the gap during periods of uncertainty.

3. Wish Fulfillment Rumor

Wishful fulfillment rumors express hopes and inspire creativity. They lead to solutions and increased efficiency in specific departments as employees desire changes in the workplace.

4. Bogey Rumor

Bogey rumors are fear-driven rumors arising from employee anxieties, causing uneasiness, especially during financial constraints like budget cuts. These damaging rumors, such as layoff speculations, necessitate formal management rebuttals.

What are the Characteristics of Grapevine Communication?

Grapevine communication is sometimes considered a very effective form of communication as it can pass on information very quickly and extensively. It can make any kind of information reach all levels of an organization in a very easy way.

The 10 most important characteristics of grapevine communication are listed below.

1. Very Impactful

The grapevine is widely trusted by a significant number of employees in the firm.
Many employees rely on the grapevine as their main source of information and a trustworthy channel for communication regarding facts and events within the organization.

2. Highly flexible

Formal forms of communication require following norms and procedures. Communication in the grapevine is flexible and free of formalities.

3. Information distortion

As information is passed on through various points or individuals without any proof or documentation, it is mostly distorted. Information in a grapevine is not trustworthy and cannot provide validation.

4. Follows oral methods

Communication is a grapevine that follows oral communication methods instead of written channels like emails, memos, etc. This makes it an easy communication method.

5. Implicit information

Lots of unsaid information that is not included in formal meetings are included in grapevine communication. This makes it more interesting for employees.

6. Comprehensive

The grapevine contains everybody in the organization in its network. In most cases, no individual in the organization escapes the grapevine.

7. Fast-paced

Information in a grapevine travels very fast from one point to several other points.

8. Huge audience

Since the grapevine network is widespread, it has a huge number of listeners. Although individuals may not pass on information, they sure do listen to them.

9. Strong hold

Grapevine communication can pierce through secure networks and make information pass through anything. It, therefore, is considered a very effective means of communication.

10. Inconsistent knowledge

Knowledge flowing through a grapevine cannot be validated or relied on. It can change its forms and shapes at any point due to distortion by individuals involved.

Where does Grapevine Communication Exist in the Organization?

Grapevine communication takes place in the workplace where employees engage in gossip groups and informal communication channels. According to research, only 10% of employees in an organization engage in grapevine communication. Employees who take part in these conversations and pass on information to other individuals are the key communicators of the grapevine.

The grapevine also takes place at the management level between managers of different departments. Most lower and middle managers are a part of it and sometimes use it to learn what information is being revolved around the organization.

How can Organizations Manage Grapevine Communication Effectively?

The grapevine communication channel is the most active during times of uncertainty in an organization. Hence, organizations must clearly communicate with their employees through formal channels about ongoing issues. A regular flow of accurate information from trusted sources will reduce the spread of rumors and prevent the enlargement of the grapevine.

Formal channels must release factual information and all lines of communication must be open for employees to ask queries. Some of the best practices for managing grapevine communication effectively are:

• Keeping employees informed through announcements.
• Having approachable management and leaders.
• Avoiding communication of unnecessary information.
• Practicing open communication channels.
• Focusing internal influencers.
• Creating an ask-and-answer channel.
• Preparing or training employees for rumors.

How can rumors and gossip in grapevine communication be addressed and mitigated?

To address rumors and gossip in grapevine communication: incorporate transparent and timely official communication fostering trust, encouraging dialogue, leading by example, monitoring and addressing misinformation, and providing training on effective communication. These strategies help organizations manage and mitigate the negative impact of rumors.

What are the Examples of Grapevine Communication?

Here are 2 examples of grapevine communication

1. New project development: Employees in an organization catch wind of a new project that is being quietly developed within the company. The information spreads quickly and generates anticipation among colleagues. This unofficial knowledge allows employees to prepare themselves mentally and brainstorm ideas ahead of any formal announcement. This fosters a sense of engagement and proactive involvement in the upcoming initiative.

2. Layoff rumor: Within the grapevine communication network, employees start to hear whispers about a potential round of layoffs in the company. This unsettling rumor spreads rapidly, causing the grapevine to become a breeding ground for speculation, anxiety, and uncertainty. The negative nature of this rumor highlights how the grapevine can amplify and propagate unsettling information. This leads to heightened stress and decreased morale among employees.

What are the Advantages of Grapevine Communication?

Here are 4 advantages of grapevine communication:

1. Quick Feedback Mechanism

The topics discussed in the grapevine network act as a feedback mechanism for the company on its policies and procedures. Not only is it quick to respond to new processes in the organization, but also has high engagement from all employees.

2. Provides a channel to address grievances

Grapevine communication allows employees to talk about their needs and requirements in an unrestricted environment with no hierarchical barriers.

3. Communication with time efficiency

The flow of information in the grapevine requires less time and hence communication is made more efficient. Managers can leverage grapevine communication to enhance organizational communication in a faster and more productive way.

4. Fosters employee connections

One of the most important elements that bring employees closer to becoming friends in an organization is gossip (a form of grapevine.) Deeper employee connections increase job satisfaction and in the end, help in retaining the employee.

What are the Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication?

Here are 4 disadvantages of grapevine communication:

1. Causes further stress

During situations of uncertainty, these grapevine communications can increase stress and anxiety among employees causing further havoc.

2. Induces misunderstandings

Since this form of communication has no formal authorization or procedure, voices may go unheard or suppressed. It can also lead to misunderstandings.

3. Invalid information

Since information is passed on quickly, the validity of it is not maintained which causes unreliable and false information to circulate around the organization.

4. Restricts goodwill

There is a chance that the real agenda of the information becomes distorted and comes out with a negative connotation. This can restrict the goodwill of the company as well as individuals.

What is technology’s influence on grapevine communication?

Technology has had a significant influence on grapevine communication, both in terms of its facilitation and its impact. Here are some ways in which technology has influenced grapevine communication:

• Faster and wider: Technology accelerates the speed and widens the reach of grapevine communication.
• Greater independence: Anonymity and privacy features in technology encourage freer sharing of information.
• Amplification of information: Rumors can be rapidly amplified through technology.
• More reach: Global connectivity through technology expands the grapevine network.
• Documentation of communication: Technology enables the documentation and preservation of information in grapevine communication.

Social media and applications like WhatsApp being used on a regular basis make the grapevine even faster. Short messages in the form of tweets, updates, or stories have a larger influence on people than hour-long meetings and discussions. This also comes in the form of online gossiping which can be a boon or bane for an organization.

The audience over the internet is highly sensitive. Small conflicts can rage up large audiences through social media. Hence, companies must be mindful of the grapevine network happening in the virtual world while keeping a check on the real work networks.

What are the Factors Affecting Grapevine Communication?

1. Homogeneity

A homogenous organization encourages more informal communication such as grapevine.

2. Poor formal communication

Grapevine Communications bridges the gap in an organization where official communication is not up to par. Uninformed employees foster rumors and gossip.

3. Informal social groups

The information that flows in these groups acts as sidelines to formal meetings. It can lead to conflict and anxiety in mismanaged organizations.

4. Personal agenda

People may engage in grapevine conversations to uplift their personal status and make them feel accepted in social settings. This is also a cause of the spreading of rumors.

5. Nature of people

Some individuals in the organization like grasping attention and manipulating situations in their favor. They encourage grapevine communication to validate their points of view.