Barriers to Communication

Barriers toCommunication

What is Organizational Communication?

Organizational communication is the process through which information moves and is exchanged throughout an organization.

Information flows:◦Through formal and informal

structures.◦Downward, upward, and

laterally.

Meaning of Communication Barriers

Barriers of communication are the hindrances or difficulties involved in the process of communication which distort the message from being properly understood by the receiver.

CommunicationChannelsReport/Phone/

Meeting/Computer

CommunicationChannelsReport/Phone/

Meeting/Computer

Receiver

Receive message

Decode and Convert to

Meaning

Respond

Receiver

Receive message

Decode and Convert to Meaning

Respond

Sender

Start with a meaning/

message to send

Encode

Send message

Interact withfeedback

Sender

Start with a meaning/

message to send

Encode

Send message

Interact with feedback

Feedback

Feedback

Noise

message

Communication Process

Types of Communication Barriers

Physical BarriersSemantic BarriersOrganizational Barriers

Psychological BarriersCultural Barriers

Types of Communication Barriers

Physical BarriersPhysical barriers  are often due to the nature

of theenvironment.

• Distance: Sometimes distance acts as a barrier to effective communication.

• Physical noise: Physical noise which creates disturbance in the environment act as barriers in communication.

• Defect in the medium: There may be defect in the communication devices being used.

Semantic Barriers Semantic barriers, are the

misunderstandings that occur by people trying to communicate an idea, but simultaneously having completely different meanings in mind for the words. They arise due to:

1. Badly Expressed message Due to inadequate vocabulary Usage of wrong words

2. Symbols having different meanings3. Errors in translation4. Technical jargons5. Unclarified assumptions & interpretations

Organizational Barriers

Organizational Barriers arise due to complex

and rigid structure of organization. Factors that

contribute to this kind of Barriers are ;-

1. Rigid rules and cumbersome procedures2. Status of superiors3. Inadequate facilities for communication4. Complexity in organizational structure

Psychological Barriers

These barriers mainly relate to themind set of individuals.Premature EvaluationLack of TrustPoor RetentionLack of Attention

Your style and character(confidence level, rude, polite, shy, outspoken,)

Preparation & presentation

Lack of clarity (pronunciation, pitch, etc.)

Lack of credibility

Timing

Personal Barriers

Cultural Barriers

These kind of barriers arise due todifference in culture and traditions.

Overcomming the barriers

13

Research shows, communication is…

body language

55%

words7%

style

38%

Measures to Improve Communication

Communication should always follow the concept of 7-C’s

Use simple language, words and AVOID JARGON CLARIFY the idea before communicating Ensure FEEDBACK Develop techniques for delivering an effective report in a

meeting Learn to speak one-on-one with a co-worker regarding a

problem Build and MOTIVATE a work team and develop trust. Beware of BODY LANGUAGE and TONE Be a good LISTNER

Communicate positively and truly.