In: Operations Management
Grapevine communication:
It is an informal communication network among the employees inside an organization.Generally unofficial informations are spread from employee to employee through this network.However this network is actually not alloted by the management or organisation head,grapevine possess significance in ensuring proper communication among all the levels of employees.
Now we shall checkout some of the challenges associated with grapevine :
*There is a chance for huge transmission of rumours about the firm which causes bad image for the firm. *No surety about the accuracy or completeness of the informations passing. *Exaggerated and misinterpreted informations may lead to inefficient working of organisation. *Informal communications increases the rate of revealing secret and vital informations. *Cannot be used for passing formal matters as there is no records or set of rules.
Eventhough grapevine is featured of many limitations as explained above it is very important in an organisation due to it's advantages like,
*Fast mode of transmision of information. *it creates a better bonding among the employees in every levels. *popular network of communication among the employees. *can recognize the honest response of employees about the firm in whole or a business policy. *As there is no control by heads or any set of rules,grapevine is so flexible. *Any gap formed due to the missing of official i formation cqn be filled through grapvine communication. *provides relief for the employees through the elimination of uncertainity regarding any workplace matter.
Grapevine is a not a purely reliable communication network.However it's rapidity and wide reach qualify its significance in an organisation.Through helping all employees to be informed about relevant things regarding organisation,it stands as the popular way of communication.Managers can make use of these advantages of informal communications to identify the potential,complaints,opinions and approaches of various employees towards the organisation to make the firm's performance more efficient.