Barriers of Communication

Barriers are the obstacles that effects communication and do not allow the message to be transferred in exactly the same shape in which it was intended. It creates misunderstanding of message. The barriers can be psychological , language , physical or socio-cultural.

1.Language barriers
1.Difficult and unfamiliar words :the use of difficult words that can be understood only with help of dictionary obstructs the smooth flow of communication. 2.Mispronounced words: wrong pronunciation in spoken language and wrong spellings in written communication create problems and misunderstanding.

3.Lack of common language : this factor limits communication and creates barrier. Both the parties should be familiar with the words ,sentences of the language. If one doesn't know other person's language it creates barrier. 4.Semantic barrier : a word can have different meanings for different people. Wrong understanding of meaning creates barrier.

 5.Poor vocabulary: Good vocabulary is needed for clear communication. Poor vocabulary does not allow the sender to convey the message effectively. The receiver is not able to understand the message and respond which leads to obstacle in communication. 6.Poor knowledge of grammar : Wrong sentence structure and grammatical errors creates a barrier.

2.Psycological barriers
1.Different perceptions : it is the message opposite to the views and beliefs of the receiver it is liable to be rejected despite being factful. This creates barrier. 2.Ego: in case of difference of opinions or sentiments of receiver, barrier is created when ego is hurt.

3.Inability to pay attention : a distracted mind coupled with lack of interest creates a barrier. 4.Judgement : to go beyond is called judgment. Specialists draw judgment on basis of various facts whereas its not with non specialists. 5.Jealousy , hatred : these negative emotions are a serious obstacles in message being received. These emotions cutoff the receiver to understand the message.

6.Status barrier : power , authority and importance of senior results in the subordinates feeling of inferiority. This leads to a barrier.

3.Emotional and personal barriers

1.Belief and attitudes : strong opinions and views on matters of religion, business etc creates a barrier. 2.Past experience and sad memories : every individual has a background that forms the basis of beliefs and attitudes. Some messages convey sad memories or bad experience thereby causing person to shut out the message.

3.Age : generation gap , age , level of maturity , education background effects communication effectively. 4.Gender: gender creates a barrier and does not allow honest expression of opinions. 5.Fear , anger : the state of mind of the person plays an important role in ensuring whether the communication would be affective one .strong emotions like fear, anger or hatred leads to barrier in communication.

4.Enviornmental barriers
1.Physical distraction : noisy surroundings , loud music , noise office equipments , traffic etc. all cause disturbance and distraction and affect communication. 2.Visual barriers : in oral communication sometimes posters on walls or gaudy clothes , heavy jewellery may affect the attention of the listeners.

5. Socio-cultural barriers
1. Different culture background : people belonging to two different cultures have different set of rules and principles. This can create a barrier. 2. Sense of time : the Western businessmen are more conscious of time and like to get down to work immediately but Asian businessmen like to have tea and make small talk before getting down to work. Different sense of time between the two parties can create a barrier.

6. Physiological barriers
1. Hunger ,tiredness ,exhaustion , pain or fatigue : Any kind of discomfort of inconvenience experienced by the sender or receiver creates a barrier. 2. Physical disability : A disability like hearing impairment or a genetic disability which affects the organs of speech creates a barrier and obstacle in communication

7. Organizational barriers
1. Choice of medium : In an organization depending on purpose and nature sender has to decide best possible medium to convey the message properly otherwise it can create barriers.

2. Hierarchical barriers : Hierarchical structures do not allow for smooth flow of communication. Superiors maintain distance and are not accessible .subordinates are worried of freely communication with their superiors. Personal complexes of individuals also creates a barrier

8.Physical barriers
1.Long distance : A physical distance which interferes with the transfer of message creates a barrier. If a receiver is sitting at a distance and the voice is not audible, a barrier is created. 2.Inferent communication : In case there is a long gap in communication then there are more chances of communication gap which might negatively affect communication and creates barrier.

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