UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Informal communication arises spontaneously from social relationships rather than official rules. Staff room gossip about possible changes is not authorised but still spreads rapidly. This is a type of informal communication.

Option A:
Formal communication would require structured announcements or circulars,which are absent here.

Option B:
Informal communication spreads through personal networks and casual talk,which matches staff room rumours.

Option C:
Downward communication indicates messages from higher to lower authority levels,while these chats occur among peers.

Option D:
Upward communication involves feedback from subordinates to superiors,not peer to peer rumours.

Statements B and D are wrong, while A and C are correct, so the correct combination of wrong statements is B and D. A is true because formal communication follows official channels defined in the organisational structure. C is true since informal networks can often circulate information quickly, though not always accurately, thereby supplementing formal messages. B is false because informal communication does not always transmit false information; it may be accurate or inaccurate. D is false because formal communication can be slower than informal communication due to multiple levels and procedures.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it groups B and D, the two statements that misrepresent formal and informal communication. It recognises that informal networks do not inherently deal in falsehoods and that formal channels are not always the fastest. By excluding A and C, which are accurate, this option correctly identifies the wrong statements.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it identifies only B as wrong and ignores D. While B is indeed incorrect, D also makes an absolute claim about speed that does not hold in practice. Thus this option does not capture all the wrong statements.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it marks D only as wrong and omits B. D is certainly false, but B also wrongly portrays the grapevine as always unreliable. Since both B and D are wrong, an option containing only D is incomplete.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats A, B and D as wrong, even though A correctly describes formal communication. Including A among wrong statements makes this combination inconsistent with organisational communication principles.

Informal communication arises spontaneously from personal and social relationships rather than from official channels. Staffroom conversations during breaks are typically friendly,unplanned exchanges among colleagues. They may carry both personal and work related information but are not official orders or circulars. Therefore,this is informal communication.

Option A:
Formal communication would involve official meetings,minutes or circulars that follow organisational procedure,which is not the spontaneous talk described.

Option B:
Downward communication refers to messages flowing from higher to lower levels in the hierarchy,such as instructions from principal to teachers,not peer chat.

Option C:
Written communication would involve notes or letters,while the stem clearly refers to conversation.

Option D:
Informal networks such as staffroom talk can still influence organisational climate strongly,making option D the best answer.

The grapevine is the informal communication network that develops spontaneously within organisations. It carries rumours,gossip and unofficial information through personal contacts. Because it is not officially authorised,it often spreads faster but may be less accurate. The stem describes exactly this kind of unplanned flow,so it is called the grapevine network.

Option A:
Formal network refers to the planned,official channels defined by the organisation’s structure,such as memos and meetings. These are not the unplanned exchanges described in the stem.

Option B:
Vertical communication emphasises upward or downward direction along the hierarchy,which can be either formal or informal,but the term does not capture the rumour-based nature of the grapevine.

Option C:
Diagonal communication cuts across departmental lines and levels,but may still be formal,so it is not the best term for spontaneous rumours.

Option D:
Grapevine networks can influence morale and attitudes significantly,which is why understanding them is important in communication studies,making option C correct.

Grapevine communication is the informal network through which information and rumours spread in an organisation. Conversations during lunch breaks often create and transmit such unofficial news about changes. The stem clearly describes rumours moving among colleagues. Thus it is grapevine communication.

Option A:
Formal communication uses official channels,such as written orders,which are not mentioned here.

Option B:
Downward communication flows from higher to lower levels and is usually formal. Lunchtime rumours move among peers.

Option C:
Grapevine often mixes accurate and inaccurate information,so staff must treat it cautiously,making this option correct.

Option D:
Upward communication is feedback from lower to higher levels,which again is not what is happening in the example.

Statements A, C and D are correct, while B and E are wrong. A is true because informal networks sometimes spread news faster than formal notices. C is true as grapevine often carries perceptions and emotional reactions. D is true since completely ignoring informal communication may prevent management from sensing morale issues. B is false because informal messages can be distorted, and E is false because attempting to suppress all informal talk is neither realistic nor healthy. Hence, the wrong statements are B and E only.

Option A:
Option A identifies only B as wrong and omits E, even though calling for total suppression of informal communication is also incorrect. Because both B and E misrepresent the nature and management of informal networks, B only is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B selects only E as wrong and ignores B, despite the fact that claiming informal communication is always fully accurate is unrealistic. Therefore, E only cannot be accepted as the complete list of wrong statements.

Option C:
Option C groups B, C and E as wrong, but C is actually correct in noting that grapevine carries feelings and concerns. Treating C as wrong contradicts organisational observations, so B, C and E only is not valid.

Option D:
Option D correctly picks B and E as the problematic statements, keeping A, C and D as accurate descriptions of speed, content and management awareness. Therefore, B and E only is the correct option.

Informal communication arises from social relationships rather than prescribed channels. Staff exchanging unconfirmed information about leadership changes are using the grapevine. This is a classic form of informal communication. It can spread quickly but is not officially authorised.

Option A:
Formal communication would involve official circulars or meetings announcing such changes,which are absent here.

Option B:
Informal (grapevine) communication spreads through unofficial peer talk and rumours,which matches the situation.

Option C:
Downward communication flows from higher authorities to subordinates,not among peers speculating.

Option D:
Upward communication moves from lower levels to higher ones rather than horizontally among staff.