Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the office grapevine.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Much communication in organizations happens through the informal network
known as the grapevine. Information transmitted through grapevines is often rumor and
gossip, but it is still an important source of information that leaders need to tap into.
Rumors that flow through the organizational grapevine can be destructive. They “can
drain productivity, reduce profits, create stress in the workplace, or sully a company’s
image. Some rumors tear at a company’s credibility with both personnel and customers.
In other instances, rumors have catapulted firms into financial disaster.” One study
found that gossip is a powerful tool to control behavior in groups. Gossip kept group
members in line by discouraging social loafing. Thus, while most see gossip as a
negative force, it may have benefits. Another benefit is information about working for an
organization transmitted through the grapevine influences whether job applicants view
employment opportunities as attractive and want to apply to work for a particular
organization.