Which of the following statements about informal communication are correct?
(A) Informal channels are used by managers to transmit information so as to know the reactions of their subordinates.
(B) An intelligent manager should make use of the positive aspects of informal channels and minimise their negative aspects.
(C) The grapevine spreads throughout the organisation by following the levels of authority.
(D) Grapevine communication spreads slowly throughout the organisation.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A) and (B) only
(A) Informal channels are used by managers to transmit information so as to know the reactions of their subordinates. — Correct. Managers pass information through informal channels to learn how subordinates react to it.
(B) An intelligent manager should make use of the positive aspects of informal channels and minimise their negative aspects. — Correct. The grapevine carries information fast, which can help a manager, but it also spreads rumours. So a wise manager uses the good side and keeps the bad side small.
(C) The grapevine spreads throughout the organisation by following the levels of authority. — Incorrect. The grapevine spreads with its branches going in all directions, in utter disregard to the levels of authority. Following the levels of authority is how formal communication moves.
(D) Grapevine communication spreads slowly throughout the organisation. — Incorrect. The grapevine spreads rapidly and sometimes gets distorted.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Informal Communication Communication that takes place without following the formal lines of communication is said to be informal communication. Informal system of communication is generally referred to as the ‘grapevine’ because it spreads throughout the organisation with its branches going out in all directions in utter disregard to the levels of authority. …” “Informal Communication … The grapevine/ informal communication spreads rapidly and sometimes gets distorted. It is very difficult to detect the source of such communication. It also leads to generate rumours which are not authentic. People’s behaviour is affected by rumours and informal discussions and sometimes may hamper work environment. Sometimes, grapevine channels may be helpful as they carry information rapidly and, therefore, may be useful to the manager at times. Informal channels are used by the managers to transmit information so as to know the reactions of his/her subordinates. An intelligent manager should make use of positive aspects of informal channels and minimise negative aspects of this channel of communication.” |