Informal communication refers to communication that occurs outside of formal channels. It spreads rapidly throughout an organization in an unstructured way. Examples include workers chatting in break rooms about supervisors or rumors of transfers. While informal communication can distort information and spread rumors, it also allows employees to exchange views and can help managers understand reactions. An effective manager will utilize positive aspects of informal communication networks while minimizing negatives like inaccurate information.

1. Informal
Commun
ication

2. Informal Communication
•Communication that takes place without following the
formal lines of communication is said to be informal
communication.
•Information system of communication is generally referred
to as the ‘grapevine’ because it spreads throughout the
organisation with its branches going out in all directions in
utter disregard to the levels of authority.

3. •The informal communication arises out of
needs of employees to exchange their views,
which cannot be done through formal
channels.
•Workers chit chatting in a canteen about the
behavior of the superior, discussing about
rumors that some employees are likely to be
transferred are some examples of informal
communications.
•The grapevine/ informal communication
spreads rapidly and sometimes gets distorted.
Informal Communication

4. Workers chit chatting in a canteen about the
behavior of the superior

6. •It is very difficult to detect the source of such
communication. It also leads to generate rumors which are
not authentic. People’s behavior is affected by rumors and
informal discussions and sometimes may hamper work
environment.
• Sometimes, grapevine channels may be helpful as they carry
information rapidly and, therefore, may be useful to the
manager at times.
•Informal channels are used by the managers to transmit
information so as to know the reactions of his/her
subordinates.
•An intelligent manager should make use of positive aspects
of informal channels and minimize negative aspects of this
channel of communication.
Informal Communication

7. It also leads to generate rumors which are not authentic

8. •Grapevine Network Grapevine
communication may follow
different types of network.
•Some of these networks are shown
in figure given below. In single
strand network, each person
communicates to the other in
sequence.
Informal Communication

9. •In gossip network, each person
communicates with all on
nonselective basis. In probability
network, the individual communicates
randomly with other individual.
•In cluster, the individual
communicates with only those people
whom he trusts of these four types of
networks. Cluster is the most popular
in organizations.
Informal Communication

11. Grapevine Network Grapevine communication