Answer to Question #225781 in Management for fanscil

Question

Describe and explain the major barriers to effective communication (minimum 10) when using a mixed work approach (traditional work & online work).

Answer 1

Mixed work approach, which blends traditional work and online work, erects some barriers to effective communication. Some of the major barriers include:

Emotional disconnect - communication in a mixed work setup lacks physical cues for remote teams. This is an impediment to effective communication because physical cues often set preferences and boundaries in the workplace.

Difficulty with synchronized information - there's an abundance of communication tool options, but what's ideal for traditional workspaces often doesn't work for online working. Settling on a communication channel that is effective and supports diverse preferences is difficult.

Difficulties with technology- lagging internet and connectivity issue means synchronous communication is difficult and sometimes avoided.

Misunderstandings due to differences - differences in language, culture, communications style and learning styles may differ between traditional and online working thus getting in the way of effective communication.

Hybrid team communication gaps - hybrid teams, which are the common structure in mixed work approach, face the challenge of multiple norms and cultures, and communication gaps such as when spontaneous conversations happen in-office but remote team members miss out or conference room vs conference call participants are bound to happen.