Barriers to Effective Communication

Barriers to Effective 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.

·           Physical barriers - Physical barriers are often due to the nature of the environment like noise, invisibility, etc.

·           Organisational barriers - It refers to problems with the structures or systems in place in an organization. Eg., a lack of supervision or training or policy

·           Personal  barriers  -  It  is  due to   psychological   problems   of individuals. Eg., lack of motivation or dissatisfaction at work or inattentive

·           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 individuals’ personal discomfort, caused by ill health, poor eyesight or hearing difficulties.

·           Bypassing - This 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 whether aware or not, often have a set agenda. This is very notable among the different genders.

Measures 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

Simplifiedstructure–Thecommunication 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