Question

In 200 words or more please explain advantages and disadvantage of informal communication processes such as "the grapevine" or MBWA "management by walking around"

Answer 1

The advantages are as follows:-

1. Alternative method: sometimes information can't be communicated properly through formal channels in a company and hence informal communication provides an alternative.

2. Improves relationships: workers can communicate informally and this provides them with a chance to make better relationships with the management.

3. Flexibility: it is more flexible than formal communication.

4. Increase in efficiency and speed: it is a fast way of communication and hence provides a way for workers to be able to effectively convey their mind.

The disadvantages are as follows:-

1. Distortion effect: sometimes due to an informal style of communication the real meaning of the subject matter gets lost or distorted.

2. Misunderstanding: it can sometimes cause misunderstanding between teams or coworkers or with the management.

3. Control is hard: with informal communication, controlling the outcome is a hard task.

4. Minting secrecy is a challenge: since informal communications are open, it is not possible to maintain secrecy.