3 Answers
Informal communication refers to the communication that flows without following the formal defined path. An informal communication system is also known as grapevine. Under informal communication, a piece of information flows in all directions without paying any heed to the level or authority. It arises out of social interactions among the employees and then spreads throughout the organisation. It can take the form of a rumour or a gossip. For example, a talk over lunch regarding the attitude of a senior is an informal communication. It is difficult to determine the source of such information. Moreover, the actual talk may even get distorted and the final piece of information may come out to be much different from the original one.
Grapevine or Informal Communication is that communication which is based on informal relations between the people in the organisation.
The social interactions, gossips, friendly talks and non official matters which are discussed among different members of organisation who are not officially recognised is known as informal communication or we can say the communication that takes place without following the formal guidelines of communication is said to be informal communication. This type of communication establishes the personal relationship among employees. It is flexible, dynamic and no records of information communication are maintained under this Informal communication system is generally referred to as “Grapevine”.