Grapevine is an informal channel of business communication. This type of information communication goes up, sideways, down, and diagonally in an organization, and it spreads the information by using separate means from the formal channels of communication.

Grapevine is a form of informal communication, operates both in internal and external informal channels which can contribute to and benefit the organization.Therefore, it is found in all organizations. It does not follow any prescribed or predetermined rule and spreads any information quickly.

Grapevine is a natural outgrowth person-to-person informal communication channel through which information flows horizontally, vertically or diagonally without following any set rule or regulation among the people within or outside the organization.

Grapevine communications come handy in strengthening the relationships in an organization – both among the employees and between employees and authorities. This not only enhances the efficiency of employees but also creates a friendly environment within the organization.

To cool down the surge emotions, employees should have a medium to talk to their colleagues informally – grapevine is useful there. The information passes rapidly in grapevine communication.Every role within an organization holds a set of messages that employees should share– grapevine is helpful there. Such messages are essential for the proper functioning of the organization. One of the excellent examples is the role of a secretary – he holds specific vital messages that should be transferred informally for smooth functioning.

Managers should engage with employees quite often and include them in the decision-making process as well so that they hold fact-based information, which is true. Organization’s climate matter a lot. If the sense of respect and mutual understanding is not present in the climate, then grapevine will never be fruitful; hence organization should aim for developing a healthy climate.

Advantages of Grapevine Communication For Better Organization:

• Grapevine communication 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 other.
• Grapevine creates a sense of unity among the employees who share and discuss their views with each other. Thus, grapevine helps in developing group cohesiveness.
• Grapevine serves as an emotional supportive value.
• Grapevine is a supplement in some cases where formal communication does not work.