Question

Briefly explain the positive and negative aspects of the type of communication which arises out of the need of employees to exchange their views.

Answer 1

Positive aspects of informal communication:

1. Sometimes, grapevine channels may be helpful as they carry information rapidly and therefore, may be useful to the manager at times.
2. Informal channels are used by the managers to transmit information so as to know the reactions of his/her subordinates.

Negative aspects of informal communication:

1. The grapevine/informal communication sometimes gets distorted. It also leads to generating rumours and informal discussions and sometimes may hamper the work environment.
2. It is very difficult to detect the source of such communication.