Grapevine (GV)Informal channel of communicationNo set linesNo rulesSpreads in any direction, any where fast

Primarily HorizontalPeople in same level of hierarchy contact with ease

Sometimes vertical &diagonal

Situation is responsible /Not person› Insecurity of service› Un certainty over promotion

Biased increments New strategies/technology affecting job

prospects› Activates GV leaders› Workers have one set of GV› Authorities

Types of GVProf. Keith Davies classifies GV into four

typesSingle strand D C B A

A

B

C

D

E

GOSSIP

One tells everybody

Clustersmoves through selected groups

A • B• C

D

E • F• G

Probability[ random]information move from anybody to anybody

Safety Valve◦ Does not alleviate fear yet gives emotional relief

Organisational Solidarity and cohesion◦ Brings workers together◦ Express concern for their associates◦ Raise their morale

Supplement to other channels◦ Certain information officially cannot be

communicated can be sent as GV

Importance of GV

Quick transmission Feedback

Management gets feedback about what subordinates think about organisation; policies etc.

DEMERITS Distortion

Noble may be affected Harmful to the employees

Incomplete information So may be misunderstood /misinterpreted

Damaging swiftness Cause irrepairable damage

To use effectively managers should◦Spot the leaders[gossip mongers]and observe

them◦Use to get feedback ◦Contradict rumours◦Involve workers in decision-making process

ConsensusIt is the process of arriving at

agreement through consultationDoes not mean unanimity but

majority agree to the decision for the sake of the institution

Problem identified◦critically analysed◦Additional details collected◦Ways to solve identified

Process of consultation◦Members are contacted◦Solution discussed◦Decision arrived at

◦AdvantagesDecisions are easy to acceptPromotes harmonyConflicts are avoided

DisadvantagesMembers are forced to participate

and give their views

Participants express personal interests with regard to themselves or others

Turn out to be conspiracySuperiors loose respect if workers

are discussed with