Advantages and Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication

Advantages of Grapevine Communication

Merits of grapevine communication are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Benefits of grapevine communication are followed:

1. Speed
2. Valuable Feedback
3. Check on Emotions
4. Morale Booster

Grapevine communication advantages are.

1. Speed

Grapevine communication is highly rapid and can be used to send messages very quickly.

2. Valuable Feedback

The grapevine provides a valuable feedback to the management, if it is used intelligently.

3. Check on Emotions

Grapevine communication is an indicator of the employee's interest in their work because the grapevine serves as an emotional outlet for workers.

4. Morale Booster

Grapevine communication can act as a morale booster because it can be used effectively by the management for transmitting good and positive ideas.

Disadvantages of Grapevine Communication

Demerits of grapevine communication are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

Benefits of grapevine communication are followed:

1. Spreads Rumors
2. Distorts Messages
3. Affects Productivity
4. Lacks Control

Grapevine Communication disadvantages are.

1. Spreads Rumors

Grapevine carries Malicious and damaging rumors, which can create a Suspicious and tense environment in the company.

2. Distorts Messages

At times, details of a message are lost, as it is subject to filtering by many people. Sometimes people may add new details to it.

3. Affects Productivity

A grapevine, at times can seriously hamper the development or productivity of a company.

4. Lacks Control

A grapevine carries messages so quickly that it is difficult to control or regulate the flow of Communication.

A grapevine is influential both favorably and unfavorably, yet it cannot be done away with. An intelligent management realizes the increasing importance of informal communication and therefore, uses the grapevine to its own ends.