BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

Communication barriers: - Barriers are the factors that obstruct the effectiveness of   communication and can occur at any stage of the communication process

Semantic barriers:-concerned with problems in the process of encoding and decoding messages into words or impressions.

  1. Symbols with Differ meanings: A word may have several meanings. Receiver fails to identify the meaning of the word used by the communicator. Right, write. 
  2. Unqualified/unprofessional assumptions: Some messages may have certain assumptions which are subject to a different understanding.
  3. Body language and gesture decode: If  no match between what is said and what is expressed in body movements, communications may be wrongly understood (laughing in anger)
  4. Language translation: If the translator  fails to translate the exact meaning of  one language to another may cause different meanings (English to Hindi)
  5. Badly expressed message: due to insufficient vocabulary, usage of wrong words, omission of needed words, etc.
  6. Technical language: If the sender uses technical/difficult words, the receiver may not understand the actual meaning of such words. notwithstanding

Psychological barriers: Arises on account of the emotional and psychological status of both sender and receiver of the message. Includes

  1. Loss by transmission and poor retention:  in the case of oral communication  when information  passes through various levels message results in loss of, or transmission of inaccurate information
  2. Inattention: For example an employee explains his problems to the boss who is pre-occupied with an important file before him
  1. Mistrust between communicator and communicate: if the parties do not believe each other, they cannot understand each other’s message in its original sense.
  2. Early estimation: Sometimes people evaluate the meaning of a message before the sender completes his message.

Organizational barriers: when communication passes through various levels certain factors like organizational structure, authority relationships, rules and regulations may act as barriers to effective communication. Includes

  1. Status: A person in a high position  also may not allow his subordinates to express their feelings freely
  2. Hurdle in organization struc­ture: In a large organization due to a large number of managerial levels, communication gets de­layed and unclear.
  3. Absence of Organizational facilities: Facilities like frequent meetings, suggestion boxes, poor telephone and internet facilities, the social and cultural gatherings may discourage the free flow of communication
  4. Rules and regulations: Rigid rules and procedures may result in delays. Example:- Written application for minor things
  5. Policy of Organizational: Highly centralized organization does not support a free flow of communication. People may not be encouraged to have free communication.

Personal barriers The personal reasons of both sender and receiver may act as a barrier to the communication. Includes

  1. Fear of challenges to authority: If a superior sees that a par­ticular communication may badly affect his authority, he or she may do not communicate.
  1. Unwillingness to communicate: subordinates may not communicate with their superiors, if they affect that it may adversely affect their interests
  2. Lack of confidence of superior in his subordinates: If superiors do not have confidence in the com­petency of their subordinates, they may not take their advice or opinions.
  3. Lack of proper incentives: If there is no motivation or incentive for communication, subordinates may not take initiative to communicate.

Improving Communication Effectiveness

  1. Clarify the ideas before com­munication: The message communicated to others should be clear, studied in detail and can be understood by the subordinates. (oral, written, gestural )
  2. Opinions of other participants: While making policies subordinates may be mixed up to get their approval and cooperation. (like fixing the working hours )
  3. Convey things of help to listeners: Interests and needs of listeners should be kept in mind before delivering the message. (age factor can be considered)
  4. According to the needs of the receiver: The sender should communicate according to the education and understanding levels of subordinates. (Use of Local language)
  5. Communications follow up: There should be regular follow up and review of the instructions given to subordinates to remove the weakness in any due to organizational policy, status differences, or language barriers
  6. Offering feedback: Check whether the receiver has understood the message or not, especially in the case of written communication
  7. Listening skills: The manager should be a good listener to listen to the problem of other people patiently.
  8. Aware of languages, tone, and content of a message: The language used should be understandable to the receiver and should not upset the sentiments of listeners. (using wrong words  against certain community)