Communication is the life blood of an organization and the organization cannot exist without it. So the communication must be effective. Effective communication occurs when the sender obtains his intended results from the receiver. The sender’s main goal is to influence the receiver so that the desired behaviour is achieved.
But there are number of obstacles that act as barriers to communication. The barrier may totally prevent a communication or gives it incorrect meaning. So let’s discuss those obstacles.
1) Personal barriers: It happens because of differences in education, race, sex and socioeconomic status of employees. Generally the superior’s attitude towards communication affects the flow of message. They may ignore communication from their subordinates to maintain their importance. A negative perception or lack of confidence in subordinates also creates a barrier. Similarly, the subordinates may unwilling to communicate or they may lack communication skills.
2) Semantic barriers: It occurs because of a single word having variety of meanings. And we chose the wrong meanings and that results in misunderstanding.
3) Physical barriers: these occur in the environment where communication takes place. Ex: a sudden noise, distance between people and walls interfering with radio messages.
4) Emotional barriers: The receiver’s mood at the time of receipt of a communication will influence the message interpretation.
5) Cross-cultural factors: This normally creates a problem during communication between native speaker of a language and a foreigner.
6) Information overload: Individuals have a finite capacity for processing data. If that exceeds then they tend to ignore or forget information.
It is very important for the management to recognize and overcome those barriers for a better effective communication. Some small steps that can be taken for this are as follows:
- The language of a message should be simple keeping in view the interpretation ability of the receiver. Avoid jargons and complex language.
- Priority of the message should be determined. So that important messages should not be delayed.
- Feedback must be there in the communication. It gives the receiver a chance to ask for clarification. Also two-way communication results in developing mutual understanding and trust.
- Improve listening skills because it is must for better understanding and good relationship with each other. Give full attention to the speaker and don’t jump to conclusion before the message is clearly understood.
- Ensure integrity in the flow of message. So that it passes through proper channels to reach the receiver.
Effective communication is the backbone of good interpersonal relationship as well as for organizational survival.