The Grapevine

Grapevine is an organization's informal communication network. It is concluded that at least seventy-five percent of the noncontroversial organizationally related information carried by the grapevine is correct. Information that are emotionally charged and personal are most likely to be distorted. "Observation suggests several distinguishing features of grapevine systems:

- We generally think of the grapevine as communicating information by word of mouth. However, written notes, electronic mail, and fax m[e]ssages can contribute to the tranmission of information.

- Oranizations often have several grapevine systems, some of which may be loosely coordinated. For Instance, a secretary who is part of the 'office grapevine' might communicate information to a mail carrier, who passes it on to the 'warehouse grapevine.'

- The grapevine may transmit information relevant to the performance of the organization as well as personal gossip. Many times, it is difficult to distinguish between the two: 'You won't believe who just got fired!"' (Johns 349-50).

In the grapevine, personality may play a role. Those who lack self-esteem might pass on information that gives them a personal advantage. The more immediate the consequence, the more effective it is in changing behavior.