Study Notes On Barriers To Effective Communication

Language Barriers

Language or linguistic ability can act as a barrier to effective communication.
Even when people communicate using the same language, the terminology that is used in a message can act as a barrier if it is not completely understood by the receiver.
Example- A message that contains a lot of abbreviations and jargon will be difficult for the receiver to understand.
Regional colloquialisms and expressions can be considered offensive or misinterpreted.

Psychological Barriers

The psychological situation of the communicators may influence how the message is sent, received and perceived.
Example: A stressed person may be preoccupied with personal concern and maybe not as receptive or attentive to message if they were not stressed.
Anger is another good example of a psychological barrier to communication.
A person in anger may say things which he may regret later. Also, an angry person may misinterpret what others are saying.
Self-esteem People with low self-esteem can be less assertive and therefore may not feel comfortable communicating - they may feel shy or embarrassed about saying how they really feel, or read unintended negative sub-texts in messages they hear.

Physiological Barriers

The barrier to effective communication may come from the receiver's physical state. This is called as Physiological barriers to communication.
For example, a person with reduced hearing capacity may not fully understand conversation especially if there is significant background noise.

Physical Barriers

Geographic distance between the sender and receiver is the best example of a physical barrier to communication.
Communication is usually easier when sender and receiver are at shorter distances as more communication channels are available and less technology is required.
The best or ideal communication is face-to-face.

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.

Attitudinal Barriers

Attitudinal barriers are perceptions or behaviours that prevent people from communicating effectively.
This form of barrier to communication can result from a lack of motivation, poor management, personality conflicts, or resistance to change.
To be an effective receiver of messages one has to overcome one's own attitudinal barriers.

We hope you all understood the terms related to Barriers to Effective Communication.

Thank you

Team BYJU'S Exam Prep