Barriers to Communication in Business
Barriers to Communication in Business
Learning Objectives
- Understand how communication barriers arise.
- Understand the problems of ineffective communication.
- Understand how communication barriers can be removed.
What are Barriers to Communication?
- Communication is only effective if the message is understood.
- Barriers to communication are things that impede understanding.
Types of Barriers
- Lack of clarity
- When a message is not clear, it can lead to misunderstanding.
- Technological breakdown
- Equipment failure, such as internet outages or weak Wi-Fi signals, can disrupt communication.
- Poor communication skills
- Limited vocabulary can make it difficult to explain oneself.
- Poor listening skills, such as switching off or daydreaming, can also be a barrier.
- Jargon
- Specialized vocabulary used and understood by people in a specific group but potentially not by others.
- Distractions
- Excessive noise or other distractions can interfere with communication.
- Business culture
- A business culture with poor communication practices can propagate these issues throughout the organization.
- Long chain of command
- Too many layers of management can slow down and distort communication.
- Using the wrong medium
- Selecting an inappropriate communication method for the message.
- Different countries, languages, and cultures
- Multinational companies must navigate language and cultural differences to ensure effective communication.
Case Study
- Refer to page 138, Case Study – PARAPOWERCORP.
- Read the case study and answer questions 1, 2, and 3.
The Problems of Ineffective Communication in Business
- Expensive problems.
- Higher staff turnover.
- More staff absences.
- Poor customer service.
- More work-related injuries.
- Difficulties making changes.
- Higher legal costs.
- Lower profits.
External Communication
- Damage to relations with suppliers and customers.
- Misunderstandings and misinformation.
- Poor quality customer service.
- Loss of customers seeking alternative shops/suppliers, leading to revenue loss and lower profits.
- If communication breaks down with suppliers, production may be halted due to supply shortages.
Internal Communication
- Low motivation.
- Disengaged workers.
- Conflict.
- Mistakes.
- Injuries.
How Can Barriers to Communication Be Removed?
- Recruitment
- Hire staff with good communication skills.
- Training
- Provide communication skills training to employees.
- Written communication
- Use clear and concise written communication.
- Technology
- Implement and maintain reliable communication technology.
- Chain of command
- Streamline the chain of command to reduce communication layers.
- Social events
- Organize social events to improve interpersonal communication.
- Culture change
- Foster a culture that values and promotes effective communication.
Objectives Review
- The three objectives were:
- Understand how communication barriers arise.
- Understand the problems of ineffective communication.
- Understand how communication barriers can be removed.
Plenary Questions
Which of the following is the most appropriate method of communication for requesting an urgent delivery of components?
- A Business report
- B Telephone call
- C Email
- D Letter
Which of the following communications needs to be supported with a document?
- A An online job advert
- B A request to an employee to stay an extra 10 minutes to complete an order
- C A job offer
- D A presentation to potential customers
Which of the following is most likely to be a barrier to communication?
- A Barriers to entry
- B The use of jargon
- C Employing a flat organizational structure
- D Heavy reliance on electronic means of communication
A business with a flatter organization will experience
- A Slower communication through the chain of command
- B Quicker communication through the chain of command
- C The development of poor communication skills among senior management
- D Difficulties in training staff in communication skills