BUSINESS COMMUNICATION BARRIERS

1)Filters

• Message that informed by the third party the messages is informed by multiple people until each reach its destination which affect the the messages become inaccurate or wrong.

2)Noise and distraction

• Noise is a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.

• Noise examples : On the part of the sender, focusing on speaking louder to overcome the background noise can take their attention away from the content of the communication, making it more difficult for recipients to understand them. It can also prevent them from picking up on feedback from the recipients, and from judging the effectiveness of their communication.

• Physical distractions are the physical thoings that get in the way of communication.

• Distraction examples : Such things include the telephone, an uncomfortable meeting place, and noise. These physical distractions are common in the hospital setting. If the telephone rings, the usual human tendency will be to answer it even if the caller is interrupting a very important or even delicate conversation. Distractions such as background noise, poor lighting, uncomfortable sitting, unhygienic room, or an environment that is too hot or cold can affect people's morale and concentration, which in turn interfere with effective communication.

3)Competing Messages

• Repeating important messages won’t help if there are too many competing messages. One more sign for the most important message won’t break through in this situation. You have to start eliminating the competing messages to get people’s attention.

• Good communications requires good leadership. The only way to remove competing messages in a healthy way is to have clarity of mission, vision, values and strategy. And, even with that, someone is going to get mad when you remove their sign. That’s part of good leadership. You have to make the right people mad.

• The goal of communications isn’t to get attention–it’s to encourage the right response.Mike’s front yard ended up on the front page of the local newspaper. It got attention. But, I’m guessing that attention did very little for the propositions and candidates. Don’t judge your message on how often its heard– judge it based on how many people respond.

•  “Getting louder” rarely makes for clearer communications. Our tendency is to “get louder” when our message isn’t being heard. A bigger, bolder, more creative sign won’t help in this situation. The only thing that will make a louder impact is to communicate less.

4)Channels Breakdowns

• Damaged channels of communications that happen when one or more communication analysts do not report to superior because communication channel are not ready. 

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION BARRIERS

1)Language Barriers

• Language and linguistic ability may act as a barrier to communication.

• However, even when communicating in the same language, the terminology used in a message may act as a barrier if it is not fully understood by the receiver(s).  For example, a message that includes a lot of specialist jargon and abbreviations will not be understood by a receiver who is not familiar with the terminology used.

2)Psychological Barriers

• The psychological state of the communicators will influence how the message is sent, received and perceived.

• For example: If someone is stressed they may be preoccupied by personal concerns and not as receptive to the message as if they were not stressed.Anger is another example of a psychological barrier to communication. When we are angry it is easy to say things that we may later regret, and also to misinterpret what others are saying.

3)Physical Barriers

• An example of a physical barrier to communication is geographic distance between the sender and receiver(s).

• Communication is generally easier over shorter distances as more communication channels are available and less technology is required. The ideal communication is face-to-face.

• Although modern technology often helps to reduce the impact of physical barriers, the advantages and disadvantages of each communication channel should be understood so that an appropriate channel can be used to overcome the physical barriers.

4)Systematic Barriers

• Systematic barriers to communication may exist in structures and organisations where there are inefficient or inappropriate information systems and communication channels, or where there is a lack of understanding of the roles and responsibilities for communication. In such organisations, people may be unclear of their role in the communication process and therefore not know what is expected of them.

5)Cultural 

• As the world is getting more and more globalized, any large office may have people from several parts of the world. Different cultures have a different meaning for several basic values of society. Dressing, Religions or lack of them, food, drinks, pets, and the general behaviour will change drastically from one culture to another.

• Hence it is a must that we must take these different cultures into account while communication. This is what we call being culturally appropriate. In many multinational companies, special courses are offered at the orientation stages that let people know about other cultures and how to be courteous and tolerant of others.

6)Perceptual

• Perceptual barriers are the mental blocks that we create because of the perceptions that we have of certain people, situations or events around us.

• Perceptual barrier is one of numerous barriers within the subclass of intra-personal barriers.

• The problem in communicating with others occurs because we all perceive things differently based on each individual’s unique experience—we are made and groomed differently due to our varied socio-cultural background, educational level, and value system. Everything we interpret is subject to this experience, good or bad.

7)Gender

• Gender barriers to communication can incite problems at home and in the workplace. 

• Societal stereotypes, assumed gender roles, and interpersonal differences can contribute to a communication gap between the sexes. 

• Men and women have assigned roles in society that exacerbate to the gender divide; it is important to remember, however, that not all men and women fit into a labeled category. 

• Recognizing the common differences and similarities is a first step toward creating understanding.

8)Lack of Transparency & Trust

• It is extremely difficult to communicate anything when there is a lack of transparency and trust.

•  For example, if your staff believes you are holding something back, they will be anxious, some will speculate, and as a result, it will be more difficult for them to process any attempt you make to communicate with them.

Here are 2 videos we recommend for you to watch. I am sure you will have a better understanding about what are communication barriers after watching the video below.

Ways To Overcome Barriers to Effective Communication

1.Clarify the Ideas before Communication:

Any issue to be communicated to a subordinate should be clearly and completely studied and analyzed by the superior.Moreover, it should be stated in such a manner that subordinate can easily understand it in the same sense in which the supervisor wants him to receive it.

2. Communicate According to the Need of Receiver:

The level of understanding and education of the subordinates must be very clear to the manager. Manager should try to communicate according to their level.

3. Consult others before Communicating:

It is desirable to involve others in developing a plan for communication. Consulting the subordinates before communicating the message helps to gain their ready acceptance and willing cooperation.

4. Be aware of Language, Tone and Content of Message:

The language, tone and content of a message to be communicated are very important aspects of an effective communication. The language should be clear, simple and easily understandable. Similarly, the tone & content of the message should not provide any harm to the sentiments of listeners rather it should stimulate them to give response.

5. Convey Things of Help and Value to Listeners:

It is always better to know the needs and interests of the listeners before communicating the message. The response from the listeners is surely obtained if the message is related directly or indirectly to their needs or interests.