BUSINESS

C O M M U N I C AT I O N

GRAPEVINE
C O M M U N I C AT I O N
Introduction
Communication is an essential element in the success of any
business. The process of transferring information from one
person to another, within and outside the business environment,
is termed as ‘Business Communication.’

 The term ‘Business Communication’ is derived from general

communication which is associated with business activities. In
other terms, communication between business parties or people
for business-related tasks is considered as ‘Business
Communication.’ 
1.Based on Structure
• Formal
• Informal

2.Based on the Medium of Communication

• Verbal
• Non-Verbal

3.Based on Flow of Direction

• Upward
• Downward
• Horizontal
• Diagonal

4.Based on Response
• One-Way
• Two-Way
 Grapevine
organization.
Communication
Grapevine communication is the informal communication network within an

The grapevine is used to spread information bypassing the formal communication

 structure.
Just like the grapevine plant: it spreads in random ways and it goes where it can.

The grapevine is formed by individuals and groups in an organization. The people in

the groups have something in common that links them together.
A person can belong to one or more groups. As
an example, a manager can belong to a group of
women that go to lunch together every Friday. She
can also belong to a group of managers in her
department that talk about work in informal ways.
She could have a third group of people scattered
throughout the organization with which she shares
other common interests outside of work.

The manager in this example is likely to pass

information across her three main, informal
networks. In some ways, she is verifying the
accuracy of the rumors she hears. When more than
one of her networks is in agreement about a given
rumor, she is bound to believe it’s true.
5 Ways to make Grapevine
Beneficiary to Organization :-
1.Considering grapevine as a pulse feeling
tool.

2.Contradicting the false rumor.

3.Allowing workers in the decision-making

process

4.Developing a good organizational climate.

5.Providing real news to the grapevine

initiators.
 4 Patterns or Types of Grapevine

The grapevine communication is usually horizontal in

nature. But it can be horizontal, vertical and diagonal. Prof.
Keith Davis has classified grapevine into 4 types.

•Single Strand Chain.

•Gossip Chain.
•Probability Chain.
•Cluster Chain.
Advantages of grapevine
communication :-
•  The first advantage of a grapevine communication is the fact that information through this
channel is extremely fast. Many have said of grapevine communication to be one of the
fastest forms of communication.

• Another advantage of grapevine communication is that it tends to bring a sense of unity

among employees of an organization when they meet to share and discuss certain issues.

• Grapevine communication is an informal mode of communication but it plays an

instrumental role in aiding the formal methods of communication in every organization.

• In organizations or establishments where formal communications do not function properly,

grapevine communication comes to the rescue. Information through grapevine ends up being
the only way employees can get any information about things going on around them.
Disadvantages of Grapevine
communication :-
• Grapevine information since it is largely based on rumors
tends to carry along with it partial information which ends
up not giving the real state of affairs in an organization.
• Information received through grapevine might not be true.

• Another great disadvantage of grapevine communication is the fact

that it can damage an organization’s goodwill.
• Grapevine communication cannot be relied on because it is not
trustworthy. If not managed properly, it can have serious
implications.
Conclusion :-
Grapevine communication is part of the
workplace, it can't be eliminated. Recognizing
its pros and cons can help you use it to your
advantage.
Thank You !!
Name: Manav P. Yerunkar
Roll No: 78
Div: B