Informaalissamä

Informaalissamä is a concept that describes the informal communication and social interaction that occurs within an organization. It refers to the spontaneous, often unstructured, exchange of information, opinions, and feelings among employees outside of official channels. This can include casual conversations in break rooms, hallway discussions, impromptu meetings, or even communication via social media platforms used by employees.

The informal communication network, often referred to as the "grapevine," plays a significant role in organizational dynamics. It can facilitate the rapid dissemination of information, both accurate and inaccurate, and can influence employee morale, attitudes, and perceptions. While formal communication channels are designed for official directives, policies, and structured reporting, informal communication networks emerge naturally from the social relationships and interactions among individuals.

Understanding and acknowledging informaalissamä can be beneficial for organizations. It can provide insights into employee sentiment, identify potential issues or concerns that might not surface through formal channels, and foster a sense of community and belonging. However, the informal network can also be a source of rumors and misinformation, which can negatively impact productivity and trust if not managed carefully. Effective leaders often pay attention to the informal currents within their organizations to gauge the overall climate and address underlying issues.