Grapevine communication

Abstract

Communication is a constant part of Teaching Learning Process. The act of transferring information from one place, person or group to another is called communication. People who lie in the top hierarchy usually control formal channel of communication. Communication basically travels through informal channels, called “the grapevine.” Basically the term grapevine communication originated during early Civil War days when the telegraph wires strung through the trees and resembled like grapevines. It is observed that nowadays the grapevine means “the informal transmission of information, gossip or rumour spread from person to person.” As this mode of communication is informal, all information that passes through is open to change and interpretation can vary time to time. The well evident facts provide proofs that grapevine gives an outlet for imagination and truth seeking. Grapevine effect can be used to manage sharing of information amongst one another in an unofficial, or informal, manner. In this article an attempt is made to explain each and every dimension of grapevine communication i.e. Single Strand Chain, Gossip Chain, Probability Chain and Cluster Chain along with that advantages, disadvantages and significance of grapevine communication.