Unit 2 - People in business (Barriers to communication)

Question 1

Barriers to communication

Answer 1

Communication only effective if receiver understands message. Barriers to communication are obstacles that get in the way of communication. Examples:
- Lack of clarity
- Technology breakdown
- Poor communication skills
- Jargon
- Distractions
- Business culture
- Long chain of command
- Using the wrong medium
- Different countries, languages and cultures

Question 2

Lack of clarity

Answer 2

If a message is not clear it could be misunderstood or ignored. Could be a result of poorly written or expressed messages.

Question 3

Technological breakdown

Answer 3

It is a serious issue because electronic communication is increasing all the time. The tech may breakdown so messages can’t be sent. This results in wasted resources.

Question 4

Poor communication skills

Answer 4

Some people may have poor communication skills leading to misunderstanding and wasted resources.

Question 4

Jargon

Answer 4

Jargon is vocabulary that is used by a group of people. If it is used outside that group then it could create a barrier.

Question 5

Distractions

Answer 5

Communication may be halted because of distractions. This can lead to employee not focusing and wasting time.

Question 5

Business culture

Answer 5

If a business has a culture of poor communication. Employees may feel isolated because information isn’t shared and they might not share information themselves.

Question 6

Long chain of command

Answer 6

If too many layers of managers, it takes a long time for a message to travel throughout a business. More common in large organisation.

Question 7

Using the wrong medium

Answer 7

Messages can be sent using more than one method so an employee has to use the right one. If not the important message could be discarded.

Question 8

Different countries, languages and cultures

Answer 8

In multinational companies problems with language (different language) and culture (work hours) may cause problems.

Question 9

Problems of ineffective communication

Answer 9

Can result in expensive problems. Ineffective external communication can damage relations. Ineffective internal communication can result in low motivation and conflicts.

Question 10

How barriers to communication are removed

Answer 10

Removal methods:
- Recruitment
- Training
- Written communication
- Technology
- Chain of command
- Social events
- Culture change

Question 11

Recruitment

Answer 11

Recruit staff with good communication skills.

Question 12

Training

Answer 12

One way to overcome barriers is to train staff to have better communication skills.

Question 13

Written communication

Answer 13

One way to remove the barrier of poor written skills is to provide a standard company letters to help staff. Templates can be used.

Question 14

Technology

Answer 14

Repair and replace tech equipment. If employees are not familiar with tech training should be supplied. Up to date tech and employees who can use it provide a competitive edge.

Question 15

Chain of command

Answer 15

Remove management levels to make communication faster throughout a business.

Question 16

Social events

Answer 16

If you improve worker relationships then they can communicate with each other better.

Question 17

Culture change

Answer 17

To get rid of a barrier the business could change their culture to make communication throughout easier.