Explain clearly the meaning of the term “Grapevine’ as applicable to communication.

Question 2
Explain clearly the meaning of the term “Grapevine’ as applicable to communication.
(May-2008)
Answer
Grapevine as applicable to communication:
Communication may be oral or written for direct contact. It may be informal also. The
“Grapevine” is one of the recognized channels of informal communication. According to
human psychology, a person likes to form and move in groups. They interact on serious and
non- serious issues and they spread it fast whether the information is correct or not. This
process is known as rumour mill. The larger the organization, the more active is the rumour
mill. The phenomenon of grapevine is based on generally three factors, namely: (1)
formation of favoured group (2) lack of self confidence and, (3) feeling of uncertainty due to
lack of directions. Four kinds of the grapevine chains have been identified and they are:

(a) Single Strand Chain, which is the least accurate in passing on the information or
message.
(b) Gossip Chain, which is often used when information or a message regarding ‘not-onjob’
nature is being conveyed.
(c) Probability Chain is used when information is somewhat interesting but not really
significant
(d) Cluster Chain, which acts as liaison and spreads information with the greatest speed.