Barriers to Effective Communication | CBSE Class 10 IT-402

There are some barriers to communication and these may occur at any stage in the communication process.

barriers-of-communication

Physical Barriers 

The physical barrier is the environmental and natural condition that acts as a barrier in communication in sending a message from sender to receiver. Not being able to see gestures, posture and general body language can make communication less effective. For example, text messages are often less effective than face-to-face communication.

Linguistic Barriers

The inability to communicate using a language is known as a language barrier to communication. Language barriers are the most common communication barriers, which cause misunderstandings and misinterpretations between people. For example, slang, professional jargon, and regional colloquialisms can make communication difficult. 

Interpersonal Barriers

Barriers to interpersonal communication occur when the sender's message is received differently from how it was intended. It is also very difficult to communicate with someone who is not willing to talk or express their feelings and views. Stage fear, lack of will to communicate, personal differences can create interpersonal barriers to communication.

Organizational Barriers

Organizations are designed on the basis of formal hierarchical structures that follow performance standards, rules, and regulations, procedures, policies, behavioral norms, etc. All these affect the free flow of communi&ation in organizations and therefore, need to be suitably managed. Superior-subordinate relationships in a formal organizational structure can be a barrier to the free flow of communication. Also, sometimes due to the stringent rules, the employees find it difficult to communicate with their peers too.

Cultural Barriers 

Cultural barriers are when people of different cultures are unable to understand each other's customs, resulting in inconveniences and difficulties. People sometimes make stereotypical assumptions about others based on their cultural background, this leads to differences in opinions and can be a major barrier to effective communication.

Although there are certain bathers to effective communication, you can always overcome these barriers by following some best practices of effective communication that are listed here. 

Ways to Overcome Barriers to Effective Communication

  • Use simple language 
  • Do not form assumptions on culture, religion, or geography.
  • Try to communicate in person as much as possible.
  • Use visuals.
  • Take the help of a translator to overcome differences in language.
  • Be respectful of other's opinions