Barriers to Communication

Question 1

Lack of Clarity

Answer 1

Message can be misunderstood or ignored.

Question 2

Technological Breakdown

Answer 2

Faulty technology may make messages unclear and cause breakdown, taking firms out of service.

Question 3

Poor Communication Skills

Answer 3

Poor spelling and weak grammar makes messages appear untrustworthy.
Some may not be able to express themselves properly via verbal communication.
People may be poor listeners.

Question 4

Jargon

Answer 4

Makes message unclear and cannot be understood outside the business.

Question 5

Long chain of command

Answer 5

Messages take longer to pass along the business and can become inaccurate or unclear along the way.

Question 6

Using wrong mediums

Answer 6

Using inappropriate media may cause an important message to be missed.
Confidential info: communicated securely
Sensitive info: communicated face-to-face
Some info should be written (needs to be supported by a document)

Question 7

Problems of ineffective communication

Answer 7

Poor communication –> misunderstandings –> unsolved dilemmas –> consumers choose competitors –> loss to a firm

Leads to: higher staff turnover, more staff absences, poor customer service and less profit.

Question 8

How can barriers be removed?

Answer 8

Recruitment: employ people with strong communication skills
Training: familiarize staff with correct methods of communication
Written communication framework: provide standard company letters for employees to follow
Technology: repair and replace faulty equipment or systems
Chain of command: some management levels may be removed to communicate faster.