Explain the Grapevine Communication Network.

Definition: Grapevine is the informal communication network of an organisation. It arises from social relationships among employees and carries unofficial information (gossip, rumours, news) in every direction, cutting across formal levels of authority. The name comes from the way messages twist and spread like a grapevine.

Types of grapevine chains (Keith Davis):

1. Single-strand chain – A tells B, B tells C, C tells D, and so on in a line.
2. Gossip chain – one person tells everyone he/she meets.
3. Probability chain – information passes randomly from person to person.
4. Cluster chain – one person tells a few selected people, each of whom tells a few others (the most common type).

Cluster chain:     A
                 / | \
                B  C  D
               /       \
              E         F

Merits: very fast spread of information; acts as a safety valve for emotions; gives managers feedback on employees' attitudes; builds social bonds and team spirit; supplements formal channels.

Demerits: spreads rumours, half-truths and distorted information; no one can be held accountable; can damage morale and the reputation of people and the organisation; may leak confidential information.

Managing the grapevine: managers cannot eliminate it, but they can keep formal channels open and transparent, share accurate information promptly, and use the grapevine to understand employee concerns.