Barriers to effective communication Flashcards
- What Is a Communication Barrier?
A communication barrier is any factor that prevents a message from being received or understood as intended.
- What Are the Main Types of Communication Barriers?
Lack of Clarity and Context
Messages that are unclear or ambiguous lead to misunderstandings.
Solution: Encourage questions and provide necessary context.
Emotions
The emotional state of a person affects how they interpret messages.
Someone who is angry or upset may misunderstand a neutral message.
Selective Perception
People focus only on what they believe is right, ignoring opposing viewpoints.
Example: A manager may ignore criticism that contradicts their beliefs.
Information Overload
Too much information can make it difficult to focus on key details.
Example: Employees struggling to keep up with emails, meetings, and reports.
Language Differences
Even when speaking the same language, words can be interpreted differently based on background or culture.
Example: A word like “deadline” may feel urgent to some but flexible to others.
Gender Differences
Men and women communicate differently:
Men focus on status, control, and authority.
Women focus on affection, care, and relationships.
Silence
Withholding communication can create misunderstandings.
Employees staying silent about discrimination, harassment, or corruption prevent management from taking action.
Communication Apprehension (Fear of Communicating)
Some individuals experience fear or anxiety when speaking in public.
They prefer to communicate via emails or memos rather than face-to-face.
Lying
Deliberately distorting or hiding information creates a major communication barrier.
People are more likely to lie over emails or phone calls than in person.
Politically Correct Communication
Overuse of politically correct language can reduce clarity and honesty in communication.
- How Can Communication Barriers Be Overcome?
Encourage clarity: Be specific and provide context.
Consider emotional states before sending important messages.
Limit information overload by prioritizing key details.
Be mindful of selective perception and try to consider multiple perspectives.
Encourage open discussions to prevent silence.
Reduce fear of communication by providing supportive environments.
