BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

By Pooja Iyer

The Process of Communication can be broken down into 3 elements as noted by Wallace and Roberson (2009) :

It is not an isolated occurrence

It involves at least two individuals

It’s main purpose is exchange of information

TYPES OF BARRIERS

Psychological Barriers

Organizational Barriers

Cultural barriers

Process Barriers

PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS

Also known as emotional barriers.

Psychological barriers can be explained as the reason for distorted communication because of human psychology problems.

They include tension, bad temper and frustration or anger directed towards a condition or a person responsible, or sometimes even towards themselves.

FEAR

ANGER

PERCEPTION

LACK OF EMPATHY

INSECURITY & DISTRUST

ANXIETY , STRESS &

DEPRESSION

Wrong channel selection

Status differences

Organizational space Information overload

Physical barriers Complex organizational structure

Overdependence on technology

ORGANIZATIONAL BARRIERS

CULTURAL BARRIERS ARE TRADITIONS OR PRACTICES THAT OFTEN COME IN THE WAY OF SUCCESS OF A BUSINESS

Language barrier

Semantic barrier

Gender barrier

Generation barrier

Religion barrier

Role and status barrier

PROCESS BARRIERS

Sender & Receiver Barrier

Medium Barrier Feedback Barrier Encoding and decoding Barrier

AVOIDING COMMUNICATION BARRIERS

Monitor the Environment SENDER should show

enthusiasm & stay focused, explain carefully (Use appropriate body language facial expressions)

RECIEVER should act interested, remove all distractions and empathize with the sender and listen actively

Proper selection of medium Give constructive feedback Keep in mind cultural

backgroundsReduction of Noise levels Effective training in communication for all employees to remove differences in perceptionSimple Organization Structure