Grapevine communication.

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 447.

Group the following factors into advantages and disadvantages of the

Comprehension questions.

Types of Grapevine Communication

Grapevine communication is of four different types. It can go from individual to individual in a strictly linear fashion. Information takes time to spread in this fashion. It is called Single Strand (thread) Chain.

In some situations, an individual goes around communicating the message / information he thinks he has obtained. This is called Gossip Chain. The listeners are a chosen few only. In some other situation, an individual passes an information without any restriction to all those with whom he comes into contact. This is called Probability Chain and the information / message passed on may be interesting but not important.

In yet another situation, one person communicates to a few chosen associates who in turn communicate the same to yet another group. This is called Cluster Chain.

1. What types of communication are usually found in large companies?

2. Who patronizes this type of communication in an organization?

3. What is this communication called? Why?

4.What is a Single Strand(thread) Chain communication?

5. What is a Gossip Chaincommunication?

6. What is a Probability Chain communication?

7. What is a Cluster Chain communication?

· Brings about a strong bond among peer groups.

· It may provoke sudden unwanted and unexpected reactions from emotionally unstable people.

· It is fast and can supplement formal channels.

· It provides informal feedback on the changes contemplated by the Management.

· It is dangerous to the health of an organization if allowed to grow without monitoring.

· It keeps the employees anticipating and acts as a buffer against shockwaves.

· Grapevine channel distorts or exaggerates the content of a message.

· It has the potential to spread unnecessary gossip.

· It gives mental satisfaction to the participants and gradually reduces emotional outbursts and reactions.

· It may result in character assassination and personal vilification (abuse, defamation) of individuals.

13. Discussion:

· Do you think the Grapevine channels of communication must be moderated or eliminated?

· Which strategies do you think help to monitor the grapevine communication?

· How can managers keep grapevine under reasonable control so that it does not degenerate into a rumor mill and promote unwanted gossip sessions among the employees?

· Which organizations are based on the downward communication?

· Which business organizations have lots of external or internal communication?

· Which type of communication is used in your university? Why?