Barriers to Communication - Descriptions

Question 1

Noise

Answer 1

Background noises such as traffic, roadwork, machinery can make it difficult for the information being communicated to be heard.

Question 2

Information Overload

Answer 2

The meaning of the information may get lost or the volume of information may simply be too much for them to cope with and so the message intended is lost amongst too much information.

Question 3

Insufficient Information

Answer 3

When recipients are only provided with part of the information they need, communication becomes ineffective. Employees are unable to carry out the required tasks and customers may be unable to make good decisions based on partial information.

Question 4

Language Difficulties

Answer 4

When there are language barriers, information may be misunderstood and therefore slow down decision making or lead to incorrect decisions being made.

Question 5

Technical Difficulties

Answer 5

When using electronic methods of communication, technical difficulties may be a barrier to successful communication. For example, poor reception during telephone calls or poor connections when using e-mail or internet.

Question 6

Poor Presentation

Answer 6

Where information is not well presented - either in written form or visual form - it may lead to ineffective communication and reflect badly on the organisation.