Answer to Question #206742 in Management for Zte

Question

“Language allows you to communicate, but it also allows you to miscommunicate

and misunderstand” (McLean, 2010, pg 57).

Any organisation can have serious problems due to a communication gap. These

gaps are formed by specific barriers which are thus the major causes of

unsuccessful business communication. We all know that communication always

has a purpose, and its exchange always faces various challenges. In the case of

complex information, it becomes crucial to overcome the potential barriers to

business communication to achieve successful communication between two

parties. Both the sender and the receiver of communications must understand and

gauge the potential threat to communication, and ensure that the barriers are

overcome.

Considering the above, discuss the barriers to communication and suggest ways

to overcome them.

Answer 1

Language is a communication system used by a specific community or state. However, the same system could lead to miscommunication or misunderstandings. Individuals or organizations could face severe challenges because of the communication gap. A communication gap arises when the sender’s or speaker’s intention is not what the recipient understands. The communication gaps are formed due to particular barriers, hence leading to unsuccessful individual or business communication. The challenges prevent effective and efficient message delivery among the employees and the top management in an organization.

The following are communication barriers in an organization:

a)     Physical or environmental barriers. The significant ecological obstacles are time, noise, and place. Most modern organizations prefer communication quickness, leading to fast communication channels. The earlier the message is delivered, the better. Delays in communication could lead to delays in some organization’s functions. Space could also lead to communication barriers, for instance, poor lighting, inadequate space leading to suffocation, and wobbly furniture. Noise is also a communication barrier in a firm. Communication in a noisy environment is impossible.

b)     Linguistic barriers: Differences in primary languages bring up these barriers. The differences lead to misinterpretations in dialects, body language, and jargon. The language barriers could be in written form, verbal, or physical cues to deliver the message.

Ways to overcome the communication barriers:

a)     In physical barriers: An organization should provide a conducive work environment. For instance, it should ensure sufficient lighting, proper furniture, and soundproof materials to prevent noise pollution in the work environment. Additionally, the firm should do away with slow communication channels and adapt fast communication channels for efficiency at the workplace.

b)     In language barriers: Individuals should be encouraged to be specific in their information. They should share their knowledge in simple terms to enhance easy understanding among each other. Also, people should be encouraged to ask questions when the information conveyed to them is unclear. It prevents miscommunication in organizations and enhances effective communication.