free smu solved assignments for BBA Semester 1 BBA101 Q1.Communication is complete only when the intended information reached the receiver. What are the various barriers to communication? How can you overcome them?

Barriers to Communication

 Communication is the process by which meanings are perceived and understanding is reached among human beings. But there may be some barriers in the communication system, preventing the message from reaching the receiver. These barriers are as follows:

Language barrier – Different languages, vocabulary, accent, dialect represent national or regional barriers. Semantic gaps are words having similar pronunciation, but multiple

meanings like- round; badly expressed message, wrong interpretation and inexpert assumptions. The use of difficult or inappropriate words/ poorly explained or misunderstood messages can result in confusion.

Cultural barriers – Age, education, gender, social status, economic position, cultural background, temperament, health, beauty, popularity, religion, political belief, ethics, values, motives, assumptions, aspirations, rules/regulations, standards, priorities can separate one

person from another and create a barrier.

Individual barrier – It may be a result of an individual's perceptual and personal discomfort. Even when two persons have experienced the same event their mental perception may/may not be identical, which acts as a barrier. Style, selective perception, halo effect, poor attention and retention, defensiveness, close mindedness, insufficient filtration are

the Individual or Psychological barrier.

Organizational barrier – It includes poor organization's culture, climate, stringent rules, regulations, status, relationship, complexity, inadequate facilities/ opportunities of growth and improvement; whereas, the nature of the internal and external environment like large working areas physically separated from others, poor lighting, staff shortage, outdated equipment and background noise are physical organizational barriers.

Interpersonal barrier – Barriers from employers are lack of trust in employees, lack of knowledge of non-verbal clues like facial expression, body language, gestures, postures, eye contact, different experiences, shortage of time for employees, no consideration for employee needs, wish to capture authority, fear of losing power of control, bypassing and

informational overloading, while barriers from employees include, lack of motivation, lack of co-operation, trust, fear of penalty and poor relationship with the employer.