Informal Communication Network| Types of Informal Communication Network

Informal Communication Network

Definition: Informal communication network or grapevine network means how information or messages are exchanged between two or more persons or how communication passes from one person to another without any restrictions, without following any prescribed rules and regulations, process or formalities in a casual method spontaneously.

It is generally based on informal or personal relations with friends, family, peers etc. Informal communication in terms of business or organization is known as "grapevine" communication, where there are no conventional rules or formalities in execution in such a type of organization.

There is no defined path from where communication flows, it is uncertain and information can flow from anywhere and everywhere. Hence, there is no chain of command to ascertain communication flows.

Informal communication arises from any individual relations with societies in respect of interest shared by people, their likes and dislikes, taste and preference, beliefs and attitudes etc.

Types of  Informal Communication Network

Informal communication network or grapevine network are generally four types which is given below:

1) Single Strand Chain: In single strand, one person communicates with another person and then that person will go and communicate further next another person. Thus, communication is passed from one person to another.

2) Gossip Chain: A group of person or any friend circle assembled or join a group discussion where everyone discuss to each other informally.

3) Probability Chain: In Probability chain, each individual randomly transfer the message another individual the same at random basis. 

4) Cluster Chain: One person shares message with a group of selected individuals and then each of those individuals shares that message with other individuals.

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