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Benefit of Grapevine

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Benefit of Grapevine I concur with you that grapevine is basically “informal communication” and that it can cripple a corporation because it is not formal (Robbins & Judge 2009). The grapevine is unstable and unreliable; it can fuel anxiety, conflict and misunderstanding in small or large group situations. But, grapevine can also be beneficial because in most cases, grapevine information holds at least a kernel of truth. Information from upper management that flows through the grapevine to lower-level employees can allow them to see, and possibly relate to, the struggles that management is facing. When employees have a sense of these challenges, even if it is not entirely accurate they can rise up and make suggestions or work to improve a situation of which they might not otherwise have been aware. Also, if trouble is on the horizon, it can give employees a chance to make plans and temper their reactions when the news is formally communicated to them (Lorette, 1996). I would not agree totally that grapevine is never a good form of communication because grapevine is useful as a supplement to formal channels of communication and it often travels more quickly than other channels and is usually more direct. I know that grapevine consists basically rumors and gossip and it travels from person to person during breaks, lunch and in after-work gatherings, but God warn us about gossip, according to the bible “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness” (Exodus 13:1).
In conclusion, I would suggest that if managers can tap into the grapevine, they can learn a substantial amount about the issues and problems of their employees.
References
Lorette, K. (1996). The informal communication network: Factors influencing grapevine activities.
Robbins S.P. & Judge T.A. (2009). Organizational Behavior. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Prentice Hall

Holy Bible: The Living Bible. (1971). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

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