Barriers to

Communication
Unit - 3
Introduction
O A communication barrier is anything that
comes in the way of receiving and
understanding messages that one sends to
another to convey his ideas, thoughts, or any
other kind of information.

O It happens because the message sent by

the sender might not be understood exactly
as it is meant to be.
O The different types of communication
barriers can come at any stage in the
process of communication.

O It can come because of the bias or

stereotyping and generalization that exists in
the workplace.
Definitions

O In the opinion of Louise E. Boone and

Others, “Communication barriers are the
problems that arise at every stage of the
communication process and have the
potential to create misunderstanding and
confusion.
O According to Dr. Suruj Kumar Debnath,
defined, “Barriers to communication mean
obstacles to the process of communication.

O According to C. B. Mamoria,
“Communication, when it is impeded and
does not reach the receiver is often
somewhat ineffective and the impediments
are known as barriers.”
 Causes of Barrier
O Using Jargon - If one uses unfamiliar terms or over-
complicated technical terms, it could not be
understood well.

O Lack of Attention or Interest - If the message is

irrelevant to the receiver or there are distractions
around (like others speaking at the same time) then
the message might not be communicated properly.

O Perception Difference - If two people see things

differently then their viewpoints might come in the
way of deciphering the message correctly.
O Emotional Barriers - Sensitive topics make it
difficult for the speaker or the receiver to
engage properly in the communication
exchange.
O Topics that may be taboo or off-limits for
some people are politics, religion, mental or
physical disabilities, sexuality, and any other
unpopular options.
O Physical Disabilities - If the receiver has hearing
problems, or the speaker has speech
disabilities, then communication will not be
effective. It will distort the message.

O The Difference in Culture - Social interactions

have different norms in different cultures. For
example, the idea of space exists in some
cultures and social settings but not in the same
form in others. These cultural differences could
prevent effective communication.
O Language Difference - The difference in
dialects of different regions or unfamiliar
accents can make it difficult to understand
the message sent.

O Prejudices - Most people have preconceived

notions about many things; hence they hear
only what they want to listen, not what is
being said.
O Information Overload: Managers are surrounded
with a pool of information. It is essential to
control this information flow else the information
is likely to be misinterpreted or forgotten or
overlooked.

O Poor retention: Human memory cannot function

beyond a limit. One cant always retain what is
being told specially if he is not interested or not
attentive. This leads to communication
breakdown.
O Time Pressures: Often in organization the
targets have to be achieved within a specified
time period, the failure of which has adverse
consequences. In a haste to meet deadlines, the
formal channels of communication are
shortened, or messages are partially given, i.e.,
not completely transferred.

O Complexity in Organizational Structure: Greater

the hierarchy in an organization (i.e. more the
number of managerial levels), more is the
chances of communication getting destroyed.
Types of Barriers
1. Linguistic Barriers.
2. Psychological Barriers.
3. Emotional Barriers.
4. Physical Barriers.
5. Cultural Barriers.
6. Organisational Structure Barriers.
7. Attitude Barriers.
8. Perception Barriers.
Linguistic Barriers
O The language barrier is one of the main
barriers that limit effective communication.

O Language is the most commonly employed

tool of communication.

O The fact that each major region has its own

language is one of the Barriers to effective
communication.
Psychological Barriers
O There are various mental and psychological
issues that may be barriers to effective
communication.

O Some people have stage fear, speech disorders,

phobia, depression etc.

O All of these conditions are very difficult to

manage sometimes and will most certainly limit
the ease of communication.
Emotional Barriers
O The EQ of a person determines the ease and
comfort with which they can communicate.

O A person who is emotionally mature will be

able to communicate effectively.

O On the other hand, people who let their

emotions take over will face certain
difficulties.
O A perfect mixture of emotions and facts is
necessary for effective communication.

O Emotions like anger, frustration, humour,

can blur the decision-making capacities of a
person and thus limit the effectiveness of
their communication.
Physical Barriers
O They are the most obvious barriers to effective
communication.

O They include barriers like noise, closed doors, faulty

equipment used for communication, closed cabins,
etc.

O Sometimes, in a large office, the physical separation

between various employees combined with faulty
equipment may result in severe barriers to effective
communication.
Cultural Barriers
O As the world is getting more and more
globalized, any large office may have people
from several parts of the world.

O Different cultures have a different meaning

for several basic values of society. Dressing,
Religions or lack of them, food, drinks, pets,
and the general behaviour will change
drastically from one culture to another.
Perception Barriers
O Different people perceive the same things
differently. This is a fact which we must consider
during the communication process.

O Knowledge of the perception levels of the

audience is crucial to effective communication.

O All the messages or must be easy and clear.

There shouldn’t be any room for a diversified
interpretational set.
Physiological Barriers
O Certain disorders or diseases or other
limitations could also prevent effective
communication between the various
channels of an organization.

O The shrillness of voice, dyslexia, etc are

some examples of physiological barriers to
effective communication.
Technological Barriers &
Socio-religious Barriers
O The technology is developing fast and as a
result, it becomes difficult to keep up with
the newest developments.

O Hence sometimes the technological

advancement may become a barrier.

O In addition to this, the cost of technology is

sometimes very high.
O Other barriers are socio-religious barriers. In
a patriarchal society, a woman or a
transgender may face many difficulties and
barriers while communicating.
Attitudinal barriers
O Attitude=a settled way of thinking or feeling
about something.

O Attitudinal barriers are the barriers that

result from the individual’s own attitude and
assumptions that built up over the years
based on one’s socio-economic and cultural
background and often get reflected in one’s
day-to-day communication with others.
Organisational Structure
Barriers
O As we saw there are many methods of
communication at an organizational level.

O Each of these methods has its own problems

and constraints that may become barriers to
effective communication.

O Most of these barriers arise because of

misinformation or lack of appropriate
transparency available to the employees.
Overcoming Communication
Barriers
O Use of Simple Language: Use of simple and
clear words should be emphasized. Use of
ambiguous words and jargons should be
avoided.
O Reduction and elimination of noise
levels: Noise is the main communication
barrier which must be overcome on priority
basis. It is essential to identify the source of
noise and then eliminate that source.
O .
O Active Listening: Listen attentively and
carefully. There is a difference between
“listening” and “hearing”. Active listening
means hearing with proper understanding of
the message that is heard. By asking
questions the speaker can ensure whether
his/her message is understood or not by the
receiver in the same terms as intended by
the speaker
O Emotional State: During communication one
should make effective use of body language.
He/she should not show their emotions
while communication as the receiver might
misinterpret the message being delivered.
For example, if the conveyer of the message
is in a bad mood then the receiver might
think that the information being delivered is
not good.
O Simple Organizational Structure: The
organizational structure should not be
complex. The number of hierarchical levels
should be optimum. There should be a ideal
span of control within the organization.
Simpler the organizational structure, more
effective will be the communication.
O Avoid Information Overload: The managers should
know how to prioritize their work. They should not
overload themselves with the work. They should
spend quality time with their subordinates and should
listen to their problems and feedbacks actively.
O
Give Constructive Feedback: Avoid giving negative
feedback. The contents of the feedback might be
negative, but it should be delivered constructively.
Constructive feedback will lead to effective
communication between the superior and
subordinate.
O Proper Media Selection: The managers
should properly select the medium of
communication. Simple messages should be
conveyed orally, like: face to face interaction
or meetings. Use of written means of
communication should be encouraged for
delivering complex messages. For significant
messages reminders can be given by using
written means of communication such as :
Memos, Notices etc.
O Flexibility in meeting the targets: For
effective communication in an organization
the managers should ensure that the
individuals are meeting their targets timely
without skipping the formal channels of
communication. There should not be much
pressure on employees to meet their
targets.