COMMUNICATION SKILLS WORK

METROPOLITAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
INDIVIDUAL COUREWORK ASSIGNMENT
COMMUNICATION SKILLS – YEAR ONE, SEMESTER ONE
NAME: MUSIBIRA DANIEL
REG. NO: 23/BBA/082/UMC
COURSE: BBA
PROGRAM: WEEKEND
Question
Grapevine is an informal mechanism where management has ears and eyes

amongst workers. As a communication expert, present a case FOR or
AGAINST this communication practice. Include research references and use
bookman old style font.
Answers
I will present a case AGAINST the grapevine communication practice. While

informal communication can sometimes be useful in certain situations, it
often poses significant challenges and drawbacks in the workplace. Here are
several reasons why grapevine communication should be discouraged:
1. Lack of Accuracy and Reliability:
Research by Riggio (2017) suggests that grapevine communication is often

riddled with inaccuracies and rumors. Information passed through the
grapevine tends to become distorted as it travels from person to person,
leading to misunderstandings and false assumptions. This lack of accuracy
can result in poor decision-making within an organization.
2. Potential for Misinterpretation:
According to a study published in the Journal of Communication Management

(Bundy & Pfarrer, 2015), grapevine communication is prone to
misinterpretation. Since it relies heavily on informal channels, messages can
be easily misinterpreted, leading to confusion and conflicts among
employees.
3. Negative Impact on Organizational Culture:
The grapevine can foster a culture of gossip and mistrust within an

organization. Research by Robbins and Judge (2019) highlights that
excessive reliance on informal communication channels can erode trust
among employees and undermine the overall organizational culture.
4. Lack of Accountability:
Unlike formal communication channels, the grapevine lacks accountability.

Information can be spread anonymously, making it challenging to identify
the source of false or damaging rumors. This lack of accountability can
create a toxic work environment.
5. Inefficiency:
A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD,

2018) suggests that the grapevine can be highly inefficient. Employees may
spend excessive time discussing rumors and gossip instead of focusing on
their work tasks, which can hamper productivity.
6. Legal and Ethical Concerns:
The grapevine may be used to spread confidential or sensitive information,

potentially leading to legal and ethical issues for organizations. Unauthorized
disclosure of information can result in lawsuits and damage to an
organization's reputation.
7. Undermining Formal Channels:
Overreliance on the grapevine can undermine the effectiveness of formal

communication channels established by management. This can lead to a
breakdown in the chain of command and create confusion about which
information is official and which is not.
However, grapevine communication can also offer certain

advantages in specific situations.
Rapid Dissemination of Information:
The grapevine is often much faster than formal communication channels.

Research by Jones and George (2018) suggests that informal communication
spreads information swiftly through an organization. In emergency situations
or when time is of the essence, the grapevine can be a valuable tool for
quickly sharing critical updates.
Employee Engagement:
Grapevine communication can empower employees to voice their concerns,

opinions, and suggestions more freely. This sense of participation and
involvement can contribute to higher employee engagement, as suggested
by a report from Gallup (2019) on employee engagement in the workplace.
Identifying Issues and Concerns:
The grapevine can serve as a barometer of employee sentiments and

concerns. By listening to the grapevine, management can gain valuable
insights into employee morale, identify potential issues, and address them
proactively.
Supplementing Formal Communication:
Rather than replacing formal communication, the grapevine can complement

it. When used in conjunction with official channels, it can provide context and
interpretation to formal messages, helping employees better understand and
accept organizational changes.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Informal communication channels, such as the grapevine, are often more

flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. They can help employees
navigate uncertain situations and provide real-time feedback, enhancing an
organization's ability to respond to evolving challenges.
In conclusion, while informal communication can have some benefits in

fostering camaraderie among employees, the drawbacks of the grapevine
communication practice far outweigh the advantages. It often leads to
misinformation, misinterpretation, and a negative impact on organizational
culture and efficiency. Organizations should prioritize formal, transparent,
and accountable communication channels to ensure accurate and reliable
information flow within the workplace.
References:
1. Bundy, J., & Pfarrer, M. D. (2015). A burden of choice: Employee

consequences of adopting the grapevine as a sense making
instrument. Journal of Communication Management, 19(2), 162-182.
2. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). (2018).
https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/relations/gossip-
report
3. Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational Behavior. Pearson.
4. Riggio, R. E. (2017). The social animal. Routledge.
5. Gallup. (2019). Employee Engagement in the U.S. Retrieved from
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/257349/employee-engagement-
drives-growth.aspx
6. Jones, G. R., & George, J. M. (2018). Essentials of Contemporary
Management. McGraw-Hill Education.

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METROPOLITAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

INDIVIDUAL COUREWORK ASSIGNMENT

COMMUNICATION SKILLS – YEAR ONE, SEMESTER ONE

NAME: MUSIBIRA DANIEL

REG. NO: 23/BBA/082/UMC

Grapevine is an informal mechanism where management has ears and eyes

I will present a case AGAINST the grapevine communication practice. While

1. Lack of Accuracy and Reliability:

Research by Riggio (2017) suggests that grapevine communication is often

2. Potential for Misinterpretation:

According to a study published in the Journal of Communication Management

3. Negative Impact on Organizational Culture:

The grapevine can foster a culture of gossip and mistrust within an

Unlike formal communication channels, the grapevine lacks accountability.

A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD,

6. Legal and Ethical Concerns:

The grapevine may be used to spread confidential or sensitive information,

7. Undermining Formal Channels:

Overreliance on the grapevine can undermine the effectiveness of formal

However, grapevine communication can also offer certain

Rapid Dissemination of Information:

The grapevine is often much faster than formal communication channels.

Grapevine communication can empower employees to voice their concerns,

Identifying Issues and Concerns:

The grapevine can serve as a barometer of employee sentiments and

Supplementing Formal Communication:

Rather than replacing formal communication, the grapevine can complement

Flexibility and Adaptability:

Informal communication channels, such as the grapevine, are often more

In conclusion, while informal communication can have some benefits in

1. Bundy, J., & Pfarrer, M. D. (2015). A burden of choice: Employee

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