I am researching the "organizational grapevine." If you have a dozen or more people you could forward this to, I'd appreciate it. Obviously, I'm looking for employee (rather than communicator or executive) input. Thanks so much, Carol

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GRAPEVINE RESEARCH - 7 QUESTIONS

The "grapevine" or company rumor mill is the informal communication channel that is present in all organizations. I want to see how the grapevine compares with other sources of corporate information.

All responses will remain anonymous. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me. Please send your replies directly to Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D. at CGoman@CKG.com.

1) If there were a big difference in the two messages, which would you tend to believe - the message delivered in a speech from your senior leadership or the grapevine?

2) If there were a big difference in the two messages, which would you tend to believe - the message delivered in an official (on-line or print) newsletter or the grapevine?

3) If there were a big difference in the two messages, which would you tend to believe - the message delivered from your direct supervisor or the grapevine?

4) If there were a big difference in the two messages, which would you tend to believe - the message delivered from your most trusted co-worker or the grapevine?

5) In general, how accurate do you think the grapevine is? (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% 100%)

6) In general, how accurate do you think formal communication is - such as executive speeches, corporate videos, newsletters, websites, etc.? (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% 100%)

7) Which source is likely to give you news on a topic first, the grapevine or the organization’s normal communication channels?

Thanks again for your help!