BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
SEMANTIC BARRIERS
PHYSICAL BARRIERS ORGANISATIONAL BARRIERS PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS

(A) SEMANTIC BARRIERS

Problems concerned with the process of encoding & decoding the message. (1) DIFFERENT LANGUAGES o There is no common language in an org. o That means no common vehicle to convey ideas & feelings. o More common in multinationals. o As company expands, this barrier widens.

(2) INTERPRETATION DIFFERANCE The meaning of the words are not in the words, they are in us. o Difference in perception o Difference in personality

(3) POOR VOCABULARY & GRAMMATICAL KNOWLEDGE

(B) PHYSICAL BARRIERS

(1) NOISE
o Any disturbance or interference that reduces clarity & effectiveness of communication is called noise. o It distracts the attention of both the parties. o Physical noise can be loud noise of speakers or noise from machines. o Psychological noise can be inattentiveness & indifference of the listener. o Written noise can be bad handwriting or incorrect typing. o Visual noise late arrival, instant knocking or roaming around.

(2) IMPROPER TIME o A message should be sent at a proper time. o Message sent at improper time creates: <> Disturbance in the receivers working. <> Irritates the receiver. <> Falls the interest of the receiver about the message. (3) DISTANCE o Communication becomes ineffective in long distances if the mediums are not properly utilized.

(4) INADEQUATE OR OVERLOADED INFORMATION o Information should be adequate. o Not less than desired but not more than required. o Inadequate information leads to non-completion of the task. o Overloaded information creates distraction of attention and fails to serve the purpose of information.

(C) ORGANIZATIONAL BARRIERS

(1) ORGANIZATIONAL RULES & REGULATION o Rigid rules & regulations lead to: <> restricted flow of messages <> delay of messages <> discouragement in employees because they can not come up with their creative ideas. o Whereas, flexible rules & regulations encourages employees to give their best performance in terms of creativity.

(2) HIERARCHICAL
o Formal boss-subordinate relationship also restricts flow of communication. o The greater the difference in the hierarchical position, the greater is the communication gap between the employees. o Biasness is found more in upward flow of information because of the fabricated stories in between to suit the interests of middle level management.

(3) NON CONDUCTING OF STAFF MEETINGS o Staff meetings are conducted to know the grievances and suggestions of employees. o Non conducting of staff meetings widens the gap between boss and the subordinates. o So, to see the other side of the mirror, staff meetings are necessary. (4) WRONG CHOICE OF CHANNEL o No one channel is ideal & perfect in every situation. o There is a need to adopt that channel which suits the situation perfectly.

(D) PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS

(1) SELECTIVE PERCEPTION
o We do not see the reality, as it is, but interpret what we see and call it reality. o We perceive some selective symbols based upon our needs, motives & experiences. o So because of our selective perception, we can not communicate the whole.

(2) PREMATURE EVALUATION o It is human tendency to evaluate quickly. o We do not read or listen the whole, but try to evaluate certain part of the message and the rest part is left out. o To overcome this barrier, one has to be an empathetic listener. (3) POOR LISTENING o Most of the times, people hear but do not listen attentively. o It leads to non understanding of the message & wastage of time.

(4) Emotions o Effective communication requires a soothed heart & a silent mind. o Positive emotions smoothen the flow of information. (love, affection, compassion etc.) o Whereas negative emotions are hurdles to effective communication.(hatred, anger, anxiety, etc.) o Therefore, stability on ones emotions is required for effective communication.

(5) EGOTISM
o People who are high at egotism are very bad listeners. o The self centered people think that their way of behaving and working is always right and others are wrong. o They keep their minds closed and alienate themselves from their fellows. o Therefore, they do not understand others which is a major hurdle in communication.

(6) ATTITUDE

o The general attitude of superiors and subordinates also affects the communication. o If the superiors are afraid or unable to delegate the authority, they will try to conceal or filter the information. o They intentionally try to twist the situation so that they can hide their weaknesses. o Negative attitude of sub-ordinates like unwillingness or fear to share information & inferiority complex also create hindrance in the way of effective communication.

Communication failures can cause...

Less productivity. Poor co-ordination and cooperation. Damaged personal or company image. Frustration. Dissatisfaction. Loss of team spirit. Conflict and arguments. Drop in confidence. Loss of friendship.

THATS ALL