Barriers to
Communication
We have to use certain three elements to communicate effectively and to perform the following:


Send messages that are simple and succinct.
Hear texts that someone sends to us and recognize correctly.
And these three elements of coordination involves:
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The terminology we choose or verbal messages.
Paraphrase - how we say the words
Nonverbal Messages - our body language
All the above are used to send messages direct and precise and to receive and understand what is said
to us.
Keeping in mind all that, there is a certain term called “Communication Barriers” used to define the
inability and causes to not being able to perform the above and hold a conversation.
What is Communication Barrier?
Anything that stops us from accessing and interpreting the responses other people use to transmit their
information, thoughts and thinking is a communication barrier.
Types of Communication Barriers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Physical Barriers
Cultural Barrier
Language Barrier
Psychological barriers
Organizational Barrier
Cultural Barrier
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 behavior 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.
Name:
Roll No:
Topic:
Sharjeel Rafaqat
205219
Research Article
Submitted To:
Date:
Ms. Noshaba Faraz
26/11/2020
How I face this Barrier:
I feel this barrier when I say ‘Assalam o Alaikum’ to colleague which is Christian. So it’s hard for me
to communicate other in fear that they might get offended.
Physical Barriers
Communication is generally easier over shorter distances as more communication channels are
available and less technology is required.
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.
It is the most obvious barriers to effective communication. These barriers are mostly easily removable in
principle at least. They include barriers like noise, closed doors, faulty equipment used for communication,
closed cabins, etc. Sometimes, in a large office, the physical separation between various employees
combined with faulty equipment may result in severe barriers to effective communication
How I face this Barrier:
I face this type of barrier when I call my brother to bring me water to my room. His closed door mostly
act as a physical barrier.
Language Barrier
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. 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.
It may include following
1. Poor Quality of Message:
2. Faulty Transmission
3. Lack of Clarity
How I face this Barrier:
I face it when I went back home from hostel and unintentionally use some slang word in front of
siblings or relatives which is common for me when I am in friends circle.
Psychological barriers:
In interpersonal communication, the psychological state of mind of the sender, as well as that of the
receiver makes lot of difference. When an individual is under emotion, his tone overpowers the script
of the message. This creates an obstacle in normal communication leading to emotional barriers.
Following are the Psychological barriers
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lack of Trust in the Sender by the Receiver
Undue Stress on Written Message
Inadequate Attention
Status difference
How I face this Barrier:
I face it when I want break from everyone and someone disturb me continuously, so when I replied
my tone is bit loud, although the words or message is ethical, but receiver finds it wrong
Organizational Barrier
This depends upon the general organizational policy governing the communication network of the
organization. Such policy might be a written text explaining various aspects of communication,
especially the upward, downward and lateral since it is desirable to bring an effective communication
flow in the organization.
The barrier on this aspect is discussed below:
1. Restrictions Imposed by Rules of Organization
2. Status/Hierarchical Positions Restrict the Flow of Communication
3. Complex Situation of the Organization: