Barriers of communication

Communication Barriers

1. Barriers of Communication Mahrukh Shehzadai

2. Communication is the answer to the success of and if there are barriers to its effectiveness, there will be frustration. Communication barriers can arise at every stage of the communication process that is from the sender, the message, the channel, the receiver, the feedback and the context.

3. “ A barrier to communication is something that keeps meanings from meeting. Meaning barriers exist between all people, making communication much more difficult than most people seem to realize. It is false to assume that if one can talk he can communicate. Because so much of our education misleads people into thinking that communication is easier than it is, they become discouraged and give up when they run into difficulty. Because they do not understand the nature of the problem, they do not know what to do ”. Reuel Howe, theologian and educator

4. Physical barriers They are the most obvious barriers to effective communication. Physical barriers are often due to the nature of the environment. Example poor or outdated equipment, distractions, noise, poor lighting etc An example of a physical barrier to communication is geographic distance between the sender and receiver(s). Communication is generally easier over shorter distances as more communication channels are available and less technology is required.

5. There have been classification of Physical barriers as follows: Time Space Place Medium Noise

6. ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS A common cause of communication breakdown in a workplace situation is people holding different attitudes, values and discrimination. An example of this is differing perceptions people have of power and status. Some people may think that they should treat people or be treated differently based on what they perceive as their status or power within a workplace or in the community

7. Certain people like to be left alone. They are the introvert or just people who are not very social. Effective communication is necessary no matter what level or position you occupy. If you feel someone is trying to exert power or control over you, communicate this to them. Discrimination arises when people make judgments about individuals or groups without thinking clearly

8. Cultural Barriers Communication also takes place between people belonging to different nationalities, religions, castes, creeds, races, ethnicities etc. in other words, when two persons are communicating with each other, there may be differences in their cultural backgrounds. Stereotypical assumptions can cause misunderstandings.

9. Psychological Barriers In the process of communication, it is vital to understand each other’s mindset and mental capacity; this applies in every case whether it is a friends conversation or a conversation between the employer and an employee. If someone is communicating with the other individual or a group of individuals with an attitude of disinterest or unwillingness then the process of communication will not be effective

10. There are various mental and psychological issues that may be barriers to effective communication. Some people have stage fear, speech disorders, phobia, depression etc. All of these conditions are very difficult to manage sometimes and will most certainly limit the ease of communication.

11. Emotional Barriers At times it happens that people do not develop interest in communicating with their fellow employees due to the feelings of fear, mistrust, anger or annoyance, that may arise within their minds and these are stated to be emotional barriers. The emotional IQ of a person determines the ease and comfort with which they can communicate. A person who is emotionally mature will be able to communicate effectively.

12. LANGUAGE BARRIERS Language barriers occur when people do not speak the same language, or do not have the same level of ability in a language. However, barriers can also occur when people are speaking the same language. Sometimes barriers occur when we use inappropriate levels of language or we use jargon which is not understood by one or more of the people communicating.

13. Gender Barriers Gender barriers to communication can incite problems at home and in the workplace. Societal stereotypes, assumed gender roles, and interpersonal differences can contribute to a communication gap between genders. Men and women have assigned roles in society that intensify to the gender divide; it is important to remember, however, that not all men and women fit into a labeled category