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.

The term grapevine refers to an unofficial,informal communication network within organisations. Information travels quickly through personal conversations rather than authorised channels. The stem describes communication spreading rapidly via personal contacts,which clearly points to the grapevine.

Option A:
The grapevine may transmit both accurate information and rumours and often operates parallel to formal communication structures. Its speed and informality match the description given,which supports this option.

Option B:
A formal chain refers to officially designated routes in the hierarchy,such as reporting lines,which is opposite to the informal nature highlighted.

Option C:
A bulletin board is a physical or digital display space and does not itself describe an interpersonal network.

Option D:
An official memo is a documented formal message and not part of the informal grapevine system.

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.