Barriers of Communication

BARRIERS OF COMMUNICATION

Barriers to effective communication can retard or distort the message or intention of the message being conveyed. This may result in failure of the communication process or cause an effect that is undesirable.

Types of Barriers

Physical Barriers: Physical Barriers are often due to the nature of the environment like noise, invisibility, etc.

Organisational Barriers: It refers to the problem with the structures or systems in the place in an organization. E.g., a lack of supervision or training or policy.

PersonalBarriers: It is due to psychological problems of individuals. E.g., lack of motivation or dissatisfaction in work.

Ambiguity of words/Phrases: Words sounding the same but having different meaning can convey a different meaning altogether. Hence the communicator must ensure that the receiver receives the same meaning.

Individual linguistic ability: The use of jargon, difficult or inappropriate words in communication can prevent the recipients from understanding the message.

Physiological Barriers: These may result from individual’s personal discomfort, caused by ill health, poor eyesight or hearing difficulties.

Bypassing: These happens when the communicators (sender and the receiver) do not attach the same symbolic meanings to their words.

Cultural Barriers: Strong beliefs, customs, attitudes, religious, sentiments, illiteracy may influence communication.

Fear of being criticized: This is a major factor that prevents good communication.

Gender Barriers: Most communicators show a difference in thought, often have a set of agenda. This is noticeable among the different genders.

How to Overcome the Barriers of Communication

Clarify the idea – The communicator must be clear about what he wants to communicate.

Completeness of the message: The message should be relevant to the nature and purpose of communication.

Understand the receiver: The communicator should be aware of the total physical and human setting.

Use appropriate channels: The channels should be appropriate to the message.

Consistency in communication: The message should be consistent with objective.

Feedback: It involves effective participation and improves mutual understanding.

Simplified structure: The communication can be strengthened by simple procedure and regulating the information flow.

Improve listening: The sender and receiver must listen with attention, patience and empathy.

Mutual trust and confidence: It improves the effectiveness of communication.