Barriers to Effective Communication

Introduction
Meaning is lost as the message encounters various

barriers along the pathway between sender and receiver. Communication barriers can arise while the message is being developed,transmitted,received or interpreted Barriers to communication are difficulties in receiving information or communication, either in person, print material, telephone

How do Barriers Arise?

Problems in Developing the message

---- Indecision about the subject matter of message ------Lack of familiarity with the receiver -------Difficulty in expressing ideas Difficulty in Expressing Ideas Lack of experience in writing or speaking prevent from developing effective messages Limited vocabulary or uncertain about use of grammar

 Problems in Transmitting the Message Communication breakdown due to Physical

barriers-telephone going out of order, telephone connection Two messages are received simultaneously Messages transmitted through several personseach person interprets message in own way and explain others in own words Problems in Receiving the message Receiver distracted by different sounds or some irritating condition, noise Lack of attention

 Problems in Interpreting the message

Differences in background, vocabulary can also

lead to misunderstanding

Organizational Barriers
Organizational policies Determine relationship among all the persons working in

the enterprise If policy of the organization is that communication will be in the written form-if this message expressed in few words it takes little time and if the message is transmitted in writing it takes more time and work gets delayed Status Relationship In organization-employees are divided into many categories on the basis of their level Division act as barrier-communication moves from bottom to top of the organization Lower level employee send message to superiorcommunication faulty delay in taking decisions

 Less organizational facilities

Insufficient stationery,no proper amenities Complexity in Organisational structure More no. of managerial levels results in delay in communication as information gets changed before it reaches the receiver

Personal Barriers
Directly connected with sender and receiver

Barriers related to superiors

Attitude of superiors

If attitude of superiors towards communication is unfavourable it will be barrier Shortage of Time Top level superiors feel that they are overburdened with excessive work and dont pay much attention to comunication

 Lack of Attention

Top level superiors dont pay adequate attention to importance and utility of communication-flow of communication gets hindered and work performance gets delayed. Improper channel Quick and effective delay in transmitting message

Barriers Related to Subordinates

Unwillingness to Communicate

When subordinates feel that information negative nature and will affect them adversely-effort made to conceal that information-or send information in modified manner Lack of proper Incentive Suggestion, ideas no importance-indifferent towards exchange of ideas

Emotional or Perceptual barriers

The importance of communication depends on

the mental condition of both the parties-mentally disturbed hindrance in communication Premature Evaluation Receiver-Digging out meaning without much thinking at the time of receiving or before receiving information-which can be wrong Emotional Attitude Emotional by nature-loose mental balance quickly and easily Receiver of message mentally upset/disturbed find unfavourable meaning in it

 Poor Retention of information-transfer of

information