Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Informal Communication
Informal Communication
Informal communications include both topics about work and personal interests. Work-related informal communications may be an attempt to get necessary information faster than the prescribed method.
Much of the informal communication takes the form of gossip and rumors.
oGossip is small talk about people. oPeople use gossip as a way to indicate
what behavior is acceptable and what behavior is not acceptable.
Rumors are what people say among themselves to try to interpret and make sense out of what is happening.
oWhen there is an absence of facts about what is happening in an organization, especially during a time of change, rumors are spread in an effort to get at the facts. oRumors tend to circulate most during crises and conflicts and are often false.
oKeep company information to yourself until the organization makes an official announcement.
Managers usually have no control over the grapevine. Steps the supervisor can take to ensure that some of the messages in the grapevine are positive and in line with the organizations objectives include:
oa. Regularly use the tools of formal communication to inform employees of the organizations version of events. ob. Use performance appraisal interviews as a time to listen to employees as well as give their information. oc. When necessary, issue a formal response to a rumor in order to clear the air.
Types of Grapevine
Messages transmitted through the grapevine are normally referred to as "rumors."
Bogey Rumor
Exaggerating employees fears and concerns
Types of Grape
Rather than