- Books Name
- BUSINESS STUDIES-XII
- Publication
- ABCD CLASSES
- Course
- CBSE Class 12
- Subject
- Business Studies
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.
- 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.
- Unqualified/unprofessional assumptions: Some messages may have certain assumptions which are subject to a different understanding.
- 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)
- Language translation: If the translator fails to translate the exact meaning of one language to another may cause different meanings (English to Hindi)
- Badly expressed message: due to insufficient vocabulary, usage of wrong words, omission of needed words, etc.
- 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
- 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
- Inattention: For example an employee explains his problems to the boss who is pre-occupied with an important file before him
- Mistrust between communicator and communicate: if the parties do not believe each other, they cannot understand each other’s message in its original sense.
- 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
- Status: A person in a high position also may not allow his subordinates to express their feelings freely
- Hurdle in organization structure: In a large organization due to a large number of managerial levels, communication gets delayed and unclear.
- 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
- Rules and regulations: Rigid rules and procedures may result in delays. Example:- Written application for minor things
- 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
- 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.
- Unwillingness to communicate: subordinates may not communicate with their superiors, if they affect that it may adversely affect their interests
- 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.
- Lack of proper incentives: If there is no motivation or incentive for communication, subordinates may not take initiative to communicate.
Improving Communication Effectiveness
- 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 )
- Opinions of other participants: While making policies subordinates may be mixed up to get their approval and cooperation. (like fixing the working hours )
- 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)
- According to the needs of the receiver: The sender should communicate according to the education and understanding levels of subordinates. (Use of Local language)
- 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
- Offering feedback: Check whether the receiver has understood the message or not, especially in the case of written communication
- Listening skills: The manager should be a good listener to listen to the problem of other people patiently.
- 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)