Communication and the Organizational Grapevine

Case Study: Organizational Grapevine
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Case Study: Organizational Grapevine
One of the most persistent sources of rumors, hearsay, and speculations in an organization is the grapevine. The term ‘grapevine’ is used to define an informal and unofficial communication channel that conveys both bad and good news about the organization. One reaction to the news passed within the organization depends on their role and position within an organization. In the presented scenario, Brian who works as a clerk hears the news that the company could be moving its offices from London to the countryside. The following paper reviews how Brian and other members who occupy different positions in the company should react and respond to the news.
While the news passed in the grapevine can be considered largely speculative, Brian should react to the news, as it would affect his daily routine. As indicated, the present office location is advantageous for Brian. To this end, the office location in the City of London means that Brian has easy access to shops, art galleries, plays, and concerts. In addition, the offices are easily accessible. Thus, it is evident that the news would have a significant effect on Brian. Notably, Brian should not ignore the news as a large part of the information passed through the grapevine tend to have a certain sense of accuracy. As noted, the speculation about the company moving its offices comes from a cleaner who overheard a phone conversation. Given that the source is a recall of an actual event witnessed by the cleaner, there is a likelihood of accuracy. However, Brian should not consider the speculation entirely accurate as it is subject to selective recall and confirmation bias. Thus, the most advisable approach for Brian to pursue is to seek official confirmation of the news from the established communication network. Thus, Brian should seek clarification from the supervisor so that he can be able to prepare to deal with the news accordingly.
The reaction to such grapevine news would be different if an office manager without any information about the news received it. To this end, a manager has to consider the negative consequences of such speculation on the performance of the company. Workplace gossip passed through the gra...