2020F-BSE-262 Sayed Naday Abbas Shah HS-201 Communication Skills

ASSIGNMENT # 02

Q1: Define Grapevine Communication and its origin. Also explain and discuss the types of
Grapevine Communication in detail.

Grapevine Communication is an unofficial, unauthorized and unchecked form of communication. It

spreads through rumors and groups. It is an informal channel of communication. Grapevine
communication takes place in horizontal channel of communication which means that the members of
same status do the grapevine communication.
Gossips and chit-chat are the examples of grapevine communication. Colleagues at lunch can share their
personal and professional problems with each other. Basically the term grapevine communication
originated during early Civil War days when the telegraph wires strung through the trees and resembled
like grapevines.

Following are the four types of Grapevine Communication:

1. Single Strand Chain

2. Gossip Chain
3. Probability Chain
4. Cluster Chain

1. Single Strand Chain:

When the information/communication flows from one person to another person and from another person
to another person and so on that is known as Single Strand Chain. The information that passes in the
Single Strand chain is unauthentic and passes in a linear way means in a line like (A passes information to
B and B passes information to C and so on)
For Example: A student receives an information about school holiday than he will pass to another student
and he will pass it to another person and so on.

2. Gossip Chain:
When the information/communication flows from one person to a group that is known as Gossip Chain.
The information that is passed from single person to whole group is the Gossip Chain type of
communication. Like A can share the information to B, C, D, E, F.
For Example: A group of students are sitting in the canteen area in the lunch break time and a student
from them tells any information to that group.
2020F-BSE-262 Sayed Naday Abbas Shah HS-201 Communication Skills

3. Probability Chain:
When the information/communication passes information to everyone to whom they come into contact
with is known as the Probability Chain. The information or message passed on may be interesting but
unimportant.
For Example: If a student came to know about a Coaching Center, He may share this information with his
friends when they met. Who then tell this to other friends who study in other colleges.

4. Cluster Chain:
When the information/communication flows from one person to the only person who he or she trusts is
known as the Cluster Chain. A passes the information to C whom he trusts and then C passes the
information to B and F who then passes it to others whom they trust.
For Example: If a friend shares a secret information to his trust worthy friend and then his friend shares
that information to the friend he trusts and in this way the information would be received by almost
everyone.

Q2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Grapevine Communication? Also state
and explain the reasons for the spread of Grapevine Communication, and the strategies to
overcome it.

Advantages of Grapevine Communication:

 Grapevine Communication gives you an outlet for your emotions and feelings to flow. This can
be a positive thing, as it allows employees to release their pent-up emotions and avoid bottling
them up. This can lead to a more positive work environment overall.

 Grapevine Communication releases our stress level. Having problems in your life makes you
stressful and Grapevine Communication helps you to reduce it.

 Grapevine channels carry information rapidly. As soon as an employee gets to know some
confidential information, he becomes inquisitive and passes the details then to his closest friend
who in turn passes it to others. Thus, it spreads hastily.

Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication:

2020F-BSE-262 Sayed Naday Abbas Shah HS-201 Communication Skills

 Grapevine Communication creates an untrustworthy environment. When grapevine

communication is constantly happening, it can lead to mistrust. This is because people are not
always sure if what they are hearing is true, and this can make it difficult to trust others.

 Another problem with grapevine communication is that it can often create an environment of fear.
This is because people are constantly talking about what others are doing, and this can make
people feel like they need to watch their back.

 The main issue with grapevine communication is that it can often lead to rumors and gossip.
When people communicate through this method, they are not always accurate, and this can cause
problems.

Grapevine communication spreads through rumors and gossips. Grapevine communication occurs
through face-to-face conversations, email, text messages, chats. This type of communication spreads
rapidly and likely touches each person throughout the organization. The social and personal interactions
of employees determine the frequency and reach of grapevine communication.

Strategies to overcome Grapevine Communication:

 The best way to prevent or reduce grapevine communication is to always provide credible and
easily accessible sources of important information. Yet, many organizations, especially large
enterprises, struggle to achieve that.

 Employees are dealing with an extensive information overload in both their private and
professionals lives, especially during the past few months. Sometimes, it can be extremely hard to
filter through that information and consume only the content that comes from credible sources.
Therefore, it is the employer’s responsibility to share the most relevant information from credible
sources with the employees.

 Make sure that all employees understand the company’s policies and procedures, so that there is
no room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation of information.

 Ensure that all staff are aware of any changes or updates in the organization, as soon as possible
after they occur, through official channels such as newsletters, emails, and official meetings.