Barriers of Effective communication| Their Types| Their Definition

Sudhanshu March 03, 2021

 Barriers of Effective Communication

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." 
-George Bernard Shaw
 
Communication

  
      The above quoted words of George Bernard Shaw-an Irish playwright and critic-explain very well the misunderstanding created by barriers in communication. Communication is  the process of conveying information from one person to another to create a common understanding. This process involves some set patterns on which communication is made with an ultimate objective of transferring message to receiver and receiving feedback. This pattern of communication is endured by the elements of communication in the process which include-context, sender-one who encodes the message, message, medium, receiver-the decoder and response. Obstruction in any of these of communication can affect the free flow of information and consequently create misunderstanding.   Hence, 

  "The factors which affect the flow of communication from sender to receiver in the process of communication are called barriers to communication."

      Communication is a systematic and interactive process involving shared view points and perceptions where response is relative as receiver decodes, understands and interprets the content of message in an individual comportment. Therefore, it is very obvious to encounter barriers resulting into misinterpretations and misunderstandings. These barriers are caused at multiple levels and need  to be resolved as early as possible for the benefits of organization. Responsible causes for the barriers in communication include faulty assumptions, selection of incorrect medium for discourse, lack of good planning, poorly delivered message and retention, overloading of information, physical distractions, doubt, interpersonal issues, attitudinal differences, semantic deformation and cultural differences. 
Barriers in communication are discussed below in detail :

Barriers in Communication

 1-  Semantic
 2-  Psychological
 3-  Organisational 
 4-  Interpersonal 
 5-  Cultural 
 6-  Lack of Planning
 7-  Information Overload
 8-  Poor Expression 
 9-  Poor Listening
10- Physical  
               - Time 
               - Place
               - Weather
               - Distance
               - Lighting
               - Health 
               - Medium
               - Noise
               - Body Language

1- Semantic Barriers

         Semantics is the Study of signs, meaning, and symbols used for Communication. Semantic barriers to communication distort the message in some other way than anticipated, making the communication hard to comprehend. Systematic barriers refer to the impediments originated in communication due to problems with the understanding of word meanings, sign, symbol figures. It is a kind of linguistic confusion. There is always a probability of incorrect analysis of messages because of obscurity of language. This barrier is formed with the incorrect selection of words. A sign or a phrase can have diverse meanings. So, when a message is transmitted by a sender to a receiver, it might be understood incorrectly in a communication. If the receiver misapprehend the communication, it becomes meaningless. Semantic barriers can be conscious or unintentional. 

       Inappropriate sentence structure, homophones, unclear sentences, use of connotative words homonyms and homographs are the couriers of semantic barriers. 


2- Cultural Barriers

          Culture incorporates all. Cultural barriers include language arts, architecture, sign, symbol, idea, value, custom, behaviour and practice. Some might be bashful to converse, while others open for  communication. Owing to Dissimilarity in backgrounds, there is a variation in views and beliefs. Even the communication manners differ across the different cultures, therefore making it difficult for communication to even commence.

 

3- Psychological Barriers

           Parallel understanding of sender and receiver is very important for good communication or else it may led to psychological barriers in communication. Psychological barriers in communication. Psychological barriers are marked by prejudiced opinions, preconceived ideas, ego, exhaustion and attitudinal differences. It is important ofr organization to create genial atmosphere and provide space to subordinate positions to express their views in a free manner to the chain of commands. 


4:- Organisational Barriers

           W.C. Bennis (1966) remarks 
"Communication gets distorted particularly as it goes up the hierarchy"
          Formal communication runs on channels. Complex structure of hierarchy and rigid protocols in vertical communication in the system i.e., upward and downward flow of communication, prolong transfer of communication. Transportation of of message from multiple stations may damage the original content of the message as well. In order to avoid such Organizational barriers, intermediate channels of communication should be diminished and direct access to the higher authorities should be promoted. 

5:- Physical Barriers

           Physical Barriers refer to the interference in communication in the environment where communication takes place. They are very prominent. They include time, place, distance between sender and receiver, weather conditions, poor lighting, ill health, selection of unsuitable medium of communication, noise, inappropriate gesture and body language. They act as an obstruction and hamper the effectiveness of communication. Physical barriers create disruption leading to negligence of the message hence creating miscommunication. 

6:- Interpersonal Barriers

           Communication with mutual suppositions of opinion and idea make communication easy. Though in reverse condition, it becomes difficult to establish communication in the organizations and receive desired responses from others. It is, however, observed that a cordial atmosphere reduces the chances  of occurence of barrier in communication. A moderate level of emotional involvement strengthens communication and make in productive. Hence, it is important to maintain interpersonal relationship to avoid barriers arousing out of emotional disturbances at work places. Language is a great tool to maintain relationships as it possesses emotive side as well. This a sence of understanding and respect for others lessens the possibility of interpersonal barrier. 

7:- Lack of Planning

           A planned communication is always beneficial to get response from the target audience. Good planning includes the selection of content that is to be delivered, study of the viewers or listeners, available physical means, selection of the right channel and time. 

8:- Information Overload

         Transfer of information is the sole objective communication which is brought by the free flow of communication. Flow of communication is spontaneous. However, sometimes this free flow information may lead to the overload of information in message. Excess of information brings monitory and gives vent to filer information. Such kind of message creates confusion and delay response from receiver. Short and clear message are always preferred in formal communication. 

9:- Poor Expression

          Clarity of message is very important. Merely selection of the theme of communication is not enough as the expression is equally important. Freely chosen words, exclusion, lack of consistency, poor arrangement of ideas, awkward sentence structure, superfluous jargons, loaded sentences, squinting construction and noise may obstruct the expression and clarity of content. 

10:- Poor Listening

            Inattention gives way to the barriers to effective communication. Good listening requires complete attention and avoidance of early assessment of what the person has to say as patient listening makes entire more effective and proficient. 


Avoiding Barriers in Communication

  • Some methods of avoiding barriers in communication are given below :
  • Easy organizational structure. 
  • Selection of right medium. 
  • Reducing noise level. 
  • Use of easy language. 
  • Active listening. 
  • Stable emotional state. 
  • Avoiding ambiguous words. 
  • Preper planning. 
  • Promoting interpersonal relationship. 
  • Precise messaging. 
  • Valuing others while asking suggestions. 
  • Flexible attitude. 
             
           
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