Communication: Meaning

& Types
* Hang him, not leave him
* Hang him not, leave him
* The reason Why we communicate
???????
* - Influence change
* -Empower people or processes
* -Maintain relationships
*
*the process by which people exchange
information or express their thoughts and
feelings
* Communication is a process
* Derived from the Latin word, communis, which means
common
* Require a sender, a message, and a receiver
* Message is imparted by a sender to a receiver through a
medium.
* The receiver gets the message and gives the sender a
feedback.

* Communication
* the process of transmitting information and
common understanding from one person to
another
-Keyton

*Definition
 * PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION

*Communication originates as “mental images” of any thing

within a person who wants to convey those images to
another person.
*mental images include ideas, thoughts, pictures, and
emotions.
*A person who wants to communicate a message is sender
and a person who receives it is receiver.
*Before transferring images to the receiver, the sender must
translate them into symbols
* process of translating images into symbols is called
encoding
*the process of interpreting a message sent by an
addresser to an addressee is decoding
* Translating information into a message in the form of
symbols that represent ideas or concepts.
* This process translates the ideas or concepts into the
coded message that will be communicated.
* The symbols can take on numerous forms such as,
languages, words, or gestures.
* These symbols are used to encode ideas into messages
that others can understand.

*
* Decoding is conducted by the receiver.
* Once the message is received and examined, the stimulus
is sent to the brain for interpreting, in order to assign some
type of meaning to it. It is this processing stage that
constitutes decoding.
* The receiver begins to interpret the symbols sent by the
sender, translating the message to their own set of
experiences in order to make the symbols meaningful.
* Successful communication takes place when the receiver
correctly interprets the sender's message.

*
Examples of encoding and decoding gone
wrong (Miscommunication and Noise)
Word: Eg. Placard Signals: Eg. Red & Green Picture: Eg. Victory celebration
lights

Welcome to VIT

Symbols are words, signals, pictures, sounds,

or sense information
Sound Touch
* FORMS OF COMMUNICATION
 * Public communication
In public communication, source or message from a single person
will reach or be received by a huge number of audience. But in
this communication, there is no mutual feedback between
source and receiver, because it is mainly focused on speaker. Ex.
Public political meeting
SEM 1 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Chapter No 5. BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

INTRODUCTION:Communication is one of our basic needs. We require to communicate with
many people for personal and professional purpose. But while communicating we may face
many hurdles or problems. Sometimes the message is not passed properly or gets lost. There are
chances of misunderstanding between the sender or the receiver. Sometimes language used in
the communication is not understood properly. This results into Communication breakdown or
communication failure. There are many reasons behind the problems in the communication
process. Let’s study the Communication Barriers in detail.
Definition of the Barrier to Communication: ‘Any obstacle or problem in the process of
Communication which hinders/obstructs the process of Communication is called Barrier.’
Barriers are part of process of Communication. Whenever we are communicating we encode and
decode. We use various channels for passing messages. At any level or at any moment or stage
there can be problems in communication process. Sometimes the sender may not use proper
language that the receiver will understand. Receiver may not be able to Decode properly. There
can be lot of noise in the surrounding which can disturb us. It rarely happens that barriers do not
arise in the communication process. Many times barriers arise in the minds of the sender and
receiver. The intended messages are not sent to the receivers .
Types of Barriers: We face many barriers while communicating. These barriers can create
obstacles in the communication process. These barriers are classified into the following types.
1.Physical or Environme ntal Barriers : The Barriers in the surrounding or in the environment
are the physical barriers.
2.Language/Semantic or Linguistic Barriers : Barriers arising due to the different language or
differences in language can create problems in communication. Semantic Barriers means the
problems arising because of the different meanings of the words.
3.Psychological Barriers: Barriers or problems arising due to the stress or psychological
problems are psychological barriers. It is difficult to accept and overcome these barriers.
4.Socio-Cultural Barriers : Due to differences in social status or cultural barriers many times
we face differences in communication. These are socio-cultural barriers.

Question:What is the meaning of Physical Barrier/Environme ntal Barriers ?Give examples

of Physical Barriers.
1.Physical Barriers : Many barriers arise in the surroundings or our environment. These barriers
create problems or confusion in communication.
• Noise: Traffic Noise or noise of machines in factory create disturbances in
communication. Noise pollution is biggest contributor or environment pollution in India.

Mrs.Pranita Kamath SKM’S J.M.PATEL COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

SEM 1 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

• Time and Distance :Physical distances between people can create major problems in
communication. Time zones around the world are not same. Due to differences in timings
between countries we have to adjust with the time difference of that country.
• Defects in Communication Systems: Many times the instruments or machines used in
communication such as Telephones, Fax or Computer can develop problems. The network of
Internet can fail or the Mike or Microphone used in the programmes can create loud noise.
Due to excess rains or natural calamity it becomes difficult to use the instruments properly.
The failure of Electronic power also results into communication loss or messages are not sent
properly.
• Wrong Selection of Medium : Medium means the objects used in communication eg.
Emails,Mobile Phones or Telephones etc. The correct medium is necessary. The improper use
of some machines such as Emails can delay the messages.
• High Temperature and Humidity: Excess Temperature or heat or cold Temperature create
difficulties in communication
Many times human physical defects such as stammering ,bad hearing, failure of
communication channels and bad handwriting also create misunderstanding in learning the
message.
Q.What is the meaning of Language or Semantic Barrier?
2.Language Barriers: Barriers arising due to differences in languages, words meaning or
pronunciation can create confusion among the people. Linguistic means related to the
language. Semantic means the meaning of the words.Following are some of the examples of
language barriers.
• Different Languages or lack of Common Language can create obstacles in
Communication. A person who does not understand the native language or even foreign
language cannot communicate well. This becomes very difficult situation.
• Multiplicity of words: words can have different meanings. Word power is gift to human
beings but at the same times multiple meaning or spellings of the words can create the
problems in communication.
• Words with similar pronunciation but different meaning [Homophones]also create
problems in communication. E.g. Except-accept, fair- fare, council-counsel,principal-
principle[etc].
• Jargon words[Technical words]used by professionals such as Engineers/Doctors or any
other professionals. Many times, jargon words are used unintentionally. But common
people or those who do not understand the meaning of these words face problems.
• By-passed Instructions: Means many times short cuts are used while passing the
messages. Eg. A Manager ordered the newly appointed secretary to go and burn the
C.D.She literally burned it . He meant to copy the C.D.

Mrs.Pranita Kamath SKM’S J.M.PATEL COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

SEM 1 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Question:What is the meaning of Psychological Barrier?

3.Psychological Barriers:
Psyche means mind. Psychological barriers arise in the minds. Human mind it very complex
thing to understand. We face many times some conflicts due to situations or surrounding
events. So these barriers are bound to arise. But the real problem is that people do not accept
that these barriers exists in their minds. Due to status, old age and ego problems many times
psychological barriers are created. These are difficult to overcome.Because people do not
accept that they face barriers or they lack proper understanding to face the world. The
following are situations or examples of psychological barriers.
1. Ego: `I’ Attitude means I am great feeling can create barrier in mind. Ego barriers create
conflict in human relations.
2. Prejudice: bias[wrong opinion] about people on the basis of community, caste, religions
or on personal basis is very negative for communication. Prejudice can hamper the
communication.
3. Emotions and feelings : Emotional Disturbances of the sender or receiver can
distort[change] the communication .
4. Halo Effect: like or dislike about a person can create halo or horn effect. This can affect
communication.
5. Self Image: Positive or Negative image about self is the way of looking at the world.
Negative self- image can destroy or hamper communication . Such people always think
negatively and do not look at the things or events properly.
6. Filtering in Messages: Messages are filtered [ changed ] intentionally. We always try to
defend ourselves or protect ourselves during some problems so that many times
messages are changed by the inferiors
7. Closed Mind : Most of the time our minds are closed or not able to learn new things.
With old age or change in attitude this problem is observed. This is also a very barrier in
communication.
8. Status : Status create barriers in the employees . Higher or lower status create obstacles
in thinking or mixing with people. People keep distance while communicating due to
status barriers.
9. Perceptions :The way we look at the world or attitude determines our Communication
strategy. Wrong or negative perceptions can create difficulty in communication . People
who have negative perceptions or think negatively look at every thing or event
negatively.
10. Poor Retention : ability to retain the message or remember is important. But if it is poor
then communication becomes difficult.
11. Interest and Attitudes : Interests and Attitudes of people determines communication
strategy. Lack of interest or wrong attitude can lead improper communication.
12.Day-Dreaming: Many students have habits of dreaming or thinking about something else
when some lecture is going on or talk is going on. This obstructs the communication and
messages are not reached properly.

Mrs.Pranita Kamath SKM’S J.M.PATEL COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

SEM 1 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Question:What is the meaning of the Socio-cultural Barriers?

4.Socio-Cultural Barriers:
Culture is way of life, values or principles .Cultural differences between people can create
barriers . Different religious practices are followed around the world. Due to many time
differences in the culture can create misunderstanding in communication. Due to
globalization and liberalized policies in business, people around the world are travelling and
working in multinational corporates or companies. This led to mixing or intermingling
between people But due to differences in language, religious practices, dressing styles, food
habits many times people get confused and are not able to understand each other properly.
This led to communication failure. The following are examples or socio-cultural barriers.
 Concept of Time : The time is not perceived similarly across the cultures. In Western
culture Time is important. In Asian culture Time is taken leisurely. The concept of
punctuality differs in cultures.
 Assumptions about social strata or caste system. Caste system is observed in India. But in
every culture some kind or differences in the society in the form of religion, community
differences or sects or class division is observed. We should not always assume someone
superior or inferior because of caste or class system.
 Etiquettes and Mannerisms: In every society or cultures different types of mannerisms are
observed. This includes rule of behaviors or how to follow certain code of conduct .
Different forms of address and salutation or different methods of dressing [formal or
informal wearing] are observed. This can be confusing sometimes.
 Food preparation method or serving methods are not the same. There are certain
expected norms of eating food in meeting .These are called dining etiquettes.
 Body Language[Non Verbal Behavior] methods around the world are not same. There can
be misunderstandings because of this.
 Proximity[Concept of Space]differs from culture to culture. In some culture close
distance between people is not approved. In some culture close distance is accepted.
 Value system is not same across the cultures.Values or good behavior or ethical principles
guide in our life. But the methods of these value system is not same around the world.
 How to overcome the Barriers?

 Physical Barriers: By overcoming defects in communication system ,by controlling noise

,physical distance Physical Barriers can be overcome to some extent. Though we can’t
overcome some physical barriers such as time , distance or defects in machine, we can
control Physical barriers to some extent. Efforts are required by all people to overcome
physical barriers.

 Language Barrier: Lot of efforts are required to overcome Language Barriers. There
should be respect for any language before learning new language. It requires many efforts

Mrs.Pranita Kamath SKM’S J.M.PATEL COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

SEM 1 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

to learn foreign language. So learning the correct pronunciation and accent and
improving vocabulary [word power]we can master a language. We have to improve
listening skills and then only language can be understood properly.

 Psychological Barriers: It is true that psychological barriers are difficult to overcome or

solve. There must be acceptance of ones mistakes or limitations. This will led to
understanding of human life. People do not accept their faults or limitations. This leads to
many problems. We have to be humble and respectful towards other people. Many times
the sender and the receiver are not in proper frame of mind. So this creates problems in
Communication. Misunderstanding, lack of interests, mental and physical disturbance
can cause problems because of that. Efforts should be taken by superiors and all
reporting people to overcome the problems.

 Socio –Cultural Barriers: These Barriers can be overcome by proper study of other
cultures . It is very much essential to learn new cultural values and observing people and
accepting their cultures .We have to develop open mindedness in this regard. We have to
understand the mannerisms of other people.

Mrs.Pranita Kamath SKM’S J.M.PATEL COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

Models of
Communication
Models of communication are conceptual models used to explain the human
communication process. The first major model for communication came in
1949 and was conceived by Claude Elwood Shannon and Warren Weaver
for Bell Laboratories
 Shannon-Weaver Model of
Communication

The Shannon–Weaver model of communication has been called the

“mother of all models”

It embodies the concepts of information source, message, transmitter,

signal, channel, noise, receiver, information destination, probability of error,
encoding, decoding, information rate, channel capacity, etc..

-widely adopted into social science fields such as education, organizational

analysis, psychology, etc
-This model is specially designed to develop the effective communication
between sender and receiver. Also they find factors which affecting the
communication process called “Noise”. At first the model was developed to
improve the Technical communication. Later it’s widely applied in the field of
Communication.
Practical Example of Shannon-Weaver model of communication :

Thomson made call to his assistant “come here I want to see you”. During
his call, noise appeared (transmission error) and his assistant received “I
want” only. Again Assistant asked Thomson (feedback) “what do you want
Thomson”.
Sender : Thomson
Encoder : Telephone (Thomson)
Channel : Cable
Noise : Distraction in voice
Reception : Telephone (Assistant)
Receiver : Assistant.
The model based on “Sender and Receiver”. Here sender plays the primary
role and receiver plays the secondary role (receive the information or
passive)
Advantages of Shannon Weaver Model
-Concept of noise helps in making the communication effective by
removing the noise or problem causing noise.
-This model takes communication as a two way process. It makes the
model applicable in general communication.

Criticisms of Shannon Weaver Model

-it can be applied more for interpersonal communication than group
communication and mass communication.
-Receiver plays the passive part in the communication process as sender
plays the primary role that sends messages.
-Feedback is taken as less important in comparison to the messages sent
by the sender.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugQ3tfypHdc
 Aristotle Model of Communication

Aristotle Model of Communication is formed with 5 basic elements

(i) Speaker, (ii) Speech, (iii) Occasion, (iv) Audience and (v) Effect.

Aristotle advises speakers to build speech for different audience on different

time (occasion) and for different effects.

Speaker plays an important role in Public speaking. The speaker must

prepare his speech and analysis audience needs before he enters into the
stage. His words should influence in audience mind and persuade their
thoughts towards him.
Example:

Alexander gave brave speech to his soldiers in the war field to defeat
Persian Empire.

Speaker - Alexander

Speech - about his invasion

Occasion - War field

Audience - Soldiers

Effect - To defeat Persia

 Aristotle Model criticism

+This model was highly used to develop public speaking skills and create a
propaganda at that time so,

- it is less focused on intrapersonal or interpersonal communication. Even

if the model is speaker oriented and focuses on audience interaction in
communication, there is no concept of feedbacks.

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0rv_Q-eFag
 The Berol's model

The berlo’s model follows the SMCR model this model is not specific to any
particular communication.
Berlo’s model lives a number of factors under each of the elements :

Source: The source is were the message originates.

Communication skills – It is the individual’s skill to communicate (ability to

read, write, speak, listen etc…)

Attitudes – The attitude towards the audience, subject and towards one self
for e.g. for the student the attitude is to learn more and for teachers wants to
help teach.

Knowledge- The knowledge about the subject one is going to communicate

for e.g. whatever the teacher communicates in the class about the subject
so having knowledge in what you are communicating.
Social system – The Social system includes the various aspects in society
like values, beliefs, culture, religion and general understanding of society. It
is were the communication takes place.

For e.g. class room differs from country to country like behaviors, how we
communicate etc.

Note: We can communicate only to the extent that the social system allows,
when we communicate take social system into account.

Main drawback of the model is that the model omits the usage of sixth
sense as a channel which is actually a gift to the human beings (thinking,
understanding, analyzing etc).
Criticisms of Berlo's SMCR Model:

•There is no concept of feedback, so the effect is not

considered.
•There is no concept of noise or any kind of barriers in
communication process.
•It is a linear model of communication, there is no two
way communication.
•Both of the people must be similar according to all
the factors mentioned above

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHGMNV95NkQ
 Lasswell’s model

Lasswell’s model
Harold Dwight Lasswell (February 13, 1902 — December 18, 1978)
Harold Dwight Lasswell, the American political scientist states that a
convenient way to describe an act of communication is to answer the
following questions

Who
Says What
In Which Channel
To Whom
With what effect?
Example:
CNN NEWS – A water leak from Japan’s tsunami-crippled nuclear power
station resulted in about 100 times the permitted level of radioactive
material flowing into the sea, operator Tokyo Electric Power Co said on
Saturday.

Who – TEPC Operator

What – Radioactive material flowing into sea

Channel – CNN NEWS (Television medium)

Whom – Public

Effect – Alert the people of japan from the radiation.

Criticisms of Lasswell's Model

This model is similar to the communication model proposed by Claude

Shannon and Warren Weaver. Their model is more graphical than
Lasswell's.

The major criticism of Lasswell’s Model is that it does not include feedback
and it ignores the possibility of noise. Without feedback, a communication
process can not be fruitful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OvT4tKE3cw
Theories of Communication
Diffusion of innovations theory
 Theories of Communication

Diffusion of innovations theory

Everett Rogers

The diffusion of innovation theory explains how the people adopt new
innovative ideas and how they make decision towards them. The channels of
both mass media and interpersonal communication are involved in the diffusion
process. According to this theory , innovations should be widely adopted in order
to attain development and sustainability. In real life situations, the adaptability
of culture plays a very important role wherever the theory is applied. Rogers
proposed four elements of diffusion of innovations they are:
Communication Channel – The communication channel takes the messages from one
individual to another. It is through the channel of communication the Innovations
spread across the people. It can take any form like word of mouth, SMS, or any sort of
literary form (Ex:Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy
and wise).
Innovation – an idea, practice, or object perceived as new (mobile phones) by
individuals. It can also be an impulse to do something new or bring some social
change.
Time – It refers to the length of time which takes from the people to get adopted to
the innovations. It is the time the people take to get used to new ideas. For an
example, considering the mobile phones, they take a while to get spread among the
people when they are introduced in the market
Social System – Interrelated network group joint together to solve the problems for
a common goal. Social system refers to all kinds of components which construct the
society like religion, institutions, groups of people etc.
Roger identifies the Mechanism of Diffusion of Innovation Theory through five
following stages:
Knowledge : People get exposed to the new innovation, but they are may not
show interest in it due to lack information or knowledge about the innovation.

Persuasion : Even if they are persuaded to adopt the new innovation, they are
always seeking to get more details about the innovation.

Decision : In this stage, they analysis the positive and negative aspects of the
innovation and decide whether to accept/reject the innovation. Roger explains
“one of the most difficult stages to identify the evidence”.

Implementation : They take efforts to identify the dependence of the

innovation and collect more information about the usefulness of the
innovation in order to implement it.

Confirmation : They conform or finalize their decision and continue to use the
innovation with full potential.

Example
In the 1990’s, the mobile phones were introduced to common people , they
went in to this process and accepted finally and got used to them largely.
 Gate keeping Theory
Kurt Lewin coins the word called “Gate keeping”. It’s
nothing but to block unwanted or useless things by using a
gate. Here the person who make a decision is called
“Gatekeeper”. At first it is widely used in the field of
psychology and later it occupies the field of communication.
Now it’s one of the essential theories in communication
studies. Kurt Lewin
News items:
N1: Texas bull fighting, N2:
International terror issues, N3:
UN discussions, N4: Religious
abuse on international
community
Gatekeeper: Chief Editor
Selected News Items:
N2: International terror issues,
N3: UN discussions,
Discarded News Items: (on
popularity)
N1: Texas bull fighting
Discarded News Items: (on policy)
N4: Religious abuse on
International community
Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Theory
• The Bullet Theory holds that the mass media are so
powerful that they can ‘shoot’ or ‘inject’ their messages
straight into the viewer’s head. The passive viewers
(referred to collectively as the ‘masses’) are immediately
influenced by the message. According to this theory, there
is only one way for the audience to hear or read the
message.
• The Frankfurt School proposed the Bullet (sometimes
referred to as the Hypodermic Needle) Theory. This is the
first major communication theory, which was developed at
a time when the media was becoming a force to be
reckoned with.
• Essentially, this model holds that an intended message is
directly received and wholly accepted by the receiver. The
model emerged from the Marxist Frankfurt School of
intellectuals in the 1930s to explain the rise of Nazism in
Inoculation Theory of communication
• This theory was developed by social psychologist, William
J. McGuire, in 1961 to explain more about how attitudes
and beliefs change, and more importantly, how to keep
original attitudes and beliefs consistent in the face of
persuasion attempts.
• Inoculation theory was developed to strengthen the existing
attitudes and beliefs and build resistance to future
counterarguments. In order to make inoculation a
successful one, it is significant to impose a threat
(motivation for resistance) upon these existing ideas and
beliefs and build defenses for counterarguments. This
takes place after the inoculation. The argument that is
presented through inoculation must be strong enough to
initiate motivation to maintain current attitudes and beliefs,
but weak enough that the receiver will refute the
counterargument
Displacement Effect Theory

• The displacement theory coins the idea of the mind

mechanism of keeping or disposing of information in human
mind- Sigmund Freud
• The concept were similar to dream distortion were the newer
taught replaced the unimportant information and this
transference of emotions that occur during various situations
can be psychologically termed as displacement effect.
• This theory states that the human mind has a defense
mechanism which involuntarily displaces the effects from an
individual or anything which are felt unacceptable to another
situation which the mind distinguished more acceptable
• The displacement effects acts like a cycle. The human mind
unconsciously finds itself a solution for the problem which
causes the stress and to alleviate the situation the
displacement occurs to a situation or to an entity which can be
of little or no relevance.

• Displacement effects can be seen in the situations leading to

anger and this can only be resolved through anger otherwise
the effects can grow overtime. In most of the cases the effect
of the emotion is let out to the target or to a safer alternative.
Role of Press
 Print media…
 Essentials
 Truth- verification of truth
 Loyalty –to the citizen not to the
politics/owner
 Independence
 watchdog
 Y fall..
 Relegation of news…(Time bound news by print media bt
social media is like 24x7)
 Digital domination
 Advertisements -60%advertisement-40 news
 Trust less – earlier noble job now under lots of influence..
 Reading habits- reduced – wanted instant news…arrival
of memes…
 News with news..
 Print
Media

Print media generally refers to

newspapers. Newspapers collect, edit
and print news reports and articles.
There are newspapers published in
the evening also.
Role of Print Media

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL_VKRDXKoI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IRf3cooJDc

http://www.shareyouressays.com/83839/essay-on-the-role-
of-print-media-in-india
 Freedom of press
Role of Print Media

 Surveillance: Print Medium create awareness among the

people about their rights and duties and every thing in life. In
other words, Print Medium is educating the people.
 Educating the public on social, economic and environmental
issues;
 It works as a bridge between the government and the people,
who get to know about the policies of government. Enabling
people to have access to government programmes, schemes
and benefits;
 Making people more aware of political issues and options and
helping to stimulate debate;
 It builds up public opining, i.e. voice of the people in any
country and tries to broaden the public opinion by generating
interest and awareness about international events.
 It is the powerful vehicle for propaganda.
http://www.shareyouressays.com/83839/essay-on-the-role-
of-print-media-in-india
Role of Print Media

 Drawing attention to institutional failings – corruption,

fraud, waste, inefficiency, nepotism, abuse of power
and the like;
 Fostering exchange of best practices, knowledge
resources, access to better technology, and to better
choices;
 Creating pressure for improved government
performance, accountability and quality, for example,
in service delivery;
 Providing a space for citizens to dialogue with other
actors in the governance process;
 Encourage people to participate in decision making
process;
 Building trust among people.
 Role of Print Media

 Advertising: The print media has long been used for

the purpose of advertising, which simply means to
inform by passing information about products and
services from the manufacturers to consumers.
 The aim of advertising is to try and influence the
readers to make a decision, such as buying the
advertised product/ services.
 Bringing about change in the attitude and belief
system of people.
 Developing global perspective and global culture.
 Promoting education and employment.
 Future requirements…(opinion leader)
 As an Individual (self-made)
 Reinvent news- as a knowledge too (eg.
known to unknown-eg picking 5 words)l-
news digest of last night…
 Feel-good- ig. Box news (Honey story-eg
husband and wife’s talk honey did u read
this story)
 Investigative information- citizen centric
 Ownership- media should own by society
and society to own media.. eg-vellore,
ownership of vellore news
