Barriers to Communication

Barriers to Communication

By :Yesha Vyas

Introduction

• ‘Barriers’ means a thing that makes communication or good relationship between people more difficult or impossible

• Hurdles or problems which affects the transmission of information from the sender to receiver in the communication process are called communication barriers

• These problems arises because of wrong assumption made about the sender or the message itself

• These barriers are consciously or unconsciously created either by sender or the receiver

Contd..

• The large number of organization problems are communication problems

• Noise is an undesirable input due to which communication barriers enters the system and causes the distortion of the message

• The general criterion is that communication will be effective only if its ultimate objective is achieved

Barriers to communication

• Physical • Noise,invisibility,environment and physical discomfort,distraction and ill health,insufficiently insulated rooms, poor lightning

Contd..

• Psychological • Prejudice, know-it-all,pre-occupation,ego hangup,fatigue,anxiety,preconceived idea/notion, background,disinterest,fixed ideas, inattention,imperceptions & unfulfilled curiosity,previous learning,knowledge,cultural disparities

Contd..

• semantic • Use of unsuitable words• Improper & ambiguous

sentences• Lack of comprehension• Lack of clarity• Not aware of different

meaning of words• Not aware of polysemic

features of language

Contd..

• Organizational • Processing of information from several people

• Delay in getting information because of many transfers of situation

• Distortion of message because of different sources

Contd..

• Interpersonal • Emotional feelings• Unshared

perceptions,ideas,views,values, & opinions

• Attitude of sender & receiver – positive/negative

• Wrongly timed message• Listening skills• Noise,distraction & disturbance• Partial and inattentive listening• Lack of attention while

listening

Barriers in Broader Way

• Physical barriers – insufficiently insulated room,sounds related to physical disturbance & destruction either in the surrounding environment or somewhere close by which perforce draw attention of the participants can be termed as physical noise

Contd..

• Psychological Barrier – mental turbulence of any type which distracts the interact ant or prevent him from paying attention to the message, is defined as psychological barriers

• Semantic barrier – if the receiver is not able to comprehend the message that the sender intend to convey, it results into language barrier in the process of communication

Meanings of word charge

• Charge (N) • A price asked for goods or services

• A claim that a person has done wrong

• Responsibility of somebody/someone

• A person or thing left in somebody’s care

• A sudden rush or violent attack• Task or duty• An amount of explosive

needed to fire a gun• Instruction, direction

Contd..

• Charge (v) • To accuse somebody/something

• To record something as a debt

• To claim assert• To fill something with

an emotion

Contd..

• Organizational Barrier – in any organization setup there could be 2 basic channels of communication , formal & Informal

• Interpersonal barriers – emotional reactions, positive/negative attitude of sender & receiver, wrong time of message and inattentive listening create communication barriers

Interpersonal Relationship at Work

colleagues Making request for information

More in nature of cooperation & participation

Providing info,cooperation,confirmation,reassurance,assistance & explanationMaking adequate contribution

Making proposal & suggestion

Relationship Strategy Style

Contd..subordinate Summoning or requesting to

carry on workPositive,polite & guiding tone

Providing instruction to accomplish the work in accordance with requirement

Persuading to accomplish the tasks

Motivating to improve the work quality

Involving in the work to achieve greater result

Directing action

Explaining the task & project’s specification & goals

Explaining changes in policies & procedures

facilitating

Contd..supervisor Making suggestion when

requiredPositive,polite & congenial

Undertaking task

Supporting and assisting whenever & where ever required

Providing required info

Being accountable

Suggesting

Proposing action

Requesting action

Recommending and reporting to him

Overcoming barriers to communication

• Physical barriers • Make suitable sitting arrangements

• Ensure audibility and visibility

• Minimize visual & aural distraction

• Provide environmental comfort

• Proper posture & proper body

Barriers Methods to Overcome Barriers

How to Overcome Barriers

• Psychological Barrier • Plan & clarify ideas & opinions

• Collate ideas, or suggestions of others

• Support decision making• Call attention and motivate

the listeners• Use feedback process• Develop trust and confidence• Explain the importance of

the message

How to Overcome Barriers

• Psychological barrier • Provide assistance to comprehend the message clearly

• Make it a purposeful communication

• Direct it to a purpose• Time your message

carefully• Catch up with individual

background

How to Overcome Barriers

• Semantic Barriers • Use simple & precise language

• Use less verbalism• Use suitable language• Employ different methods

of communication• Avoid ambiguous and

abstract words• Avoid polysemic words

which creates confusion

How to Overcome Barriers

• Organizational barrier • Make it a two way process• Provide network to permit

direct access from top to bottom & visa versa

• Dissemination of information through several channels

• Establish feedback system• Use informal channel of

communication;grapevine

How to Overcome Barriers

• Organizational barrier • Provide information to the concern person

• Avoid unnecessary info

• Purposeful communication

How to Overcome Barriers

• Interpersonal Communication

• Explain the importance of message

• Clarity in emotional expressions

• Attitude of the sender & receiver

• Prefer positive attitude• Create a climate of trust

& confidence

How to Overcome Barriers

• Interpersonal Barrier • Time your message carefully that is; what,where,when,how ,why to say

• Attentive listening with full concentration

ReviewCommon Barriers• Noise• Lack of planning Goal Conflict• Wrong/unclarified assumption Offensive style• Semantic problem Time & Distance• Cultural barriers Abstracting• Socio-psychological barriers Slanting• Emotions Inferring• Selective perception• Filtering• Information overload• Loss by transmission• Poor retention• Poor listening

Barriers Attributed to Sender

• Lack of planning• Vagueness about the purpose of communication• Objectives to be achieved• Choice of wrong language • Unshared and unclarified assumption• Different perception of reality• Wrong choice of the channel

Barrier Attributed to Receiver • Poor listening• Inattention• Mistrust• Lack of Interest• Premature evaluation• Semantic difficulties• Bias• Different perception of reality• Attitudinal clash with the sender• Not in a fit physical state

Thanks