Definition of Grapevine or Grapevine Communication
Grapevine is informal channel or pathway of communication. In other words, when communication uses informal or unofficial network, it is termed as grapevine. This term 'Grapevine' was used in the Civil war in America to describe the telegraph lines falling loosely from tree to tree and resembling a grapevine.
The term grapevine probably arose because it was thought to be a long, winding means of communication from one point to another like a real grapevine. It arises from the social and personal interests of people rather than the formal requirements of an organization. Think about people making assembly in any function or ceremony, they become interested to know each other more closely, here grapevine is sure to develop. An organization has nothing to do for the development grapevine nor for its control.
The grapevine does not consider for rank or authority and may link organization members in any combination of directions i. e.
(i) Vertical
(ii) Horizontal
(iii) Diagonal
Actually, Grapevine is a pathway in which information spread like storm. People make it for its self interest. Furthermore, Grapevine communication is considered as Informal communication. Formal communication is not accepted here.
