Barriers to effective communication[1]

8/7/2019 Barriers to effective communication[1]

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Date: 22-09-2010

Name: Tarek Al-Jmayel

Answer: Barriers to effective communication and resolutions

Introduction- It is said that communication is a two-way process involving an exchange of ideas,

however simple as this statement may seem, effective communication is an important aspect of

safety at every level of any organization and its importance cannot be underestimated with regards todetermining the success of organizations. In fact conflict resolution and effective communication, isan essential component of organizational success whether it is at the interpersonal, organizational, orat external levels. The information below lists some barriers to effective communication, as well aspossible ways to overcome these barriers.

1. Language Barrier - Language poses a barrier to effective communication and this may occu

even if two people speak the same language. Inability to converse in a language that is known

by both the sender and receiver could be considered one of the greatest barriers to effective

communication. When a person uses inappropriate words while conversing or writing, this may

lead to misunderstanding between the sender and a receiver. The form or dialect of the

language spoken may also cause a barrier of understanding. For example, if two people are

from far off regions of a large English speaking country, there may be a lot of

misunderstanding due to different accents, dialects or slangs or possibly even the use of

jargon.

Language Barrier Solutions - To overcome language barriers for different languages

techniques such as learning the other person¶s language, the use of a translator or through

visual aids can help with this situation. For barriers between the same language, one should

use the most specific and accurate words possible. Always try to use words that the audience

or receiver will understand. Increase the accuracy of your messages by using language that

describes rather than evaluates and by also presenting observable facts, events, and

circumstances.

2. Distractions - Physical distractions are the physical things that get in the way of Communication and can be one of the most annoying potential barriers. Although a distraction

such as noise may seem trivial, it can completely block an otherwise effective message. Yourreceiver might also be distracted by an uncomfortable chair, poor lighting, or some other

irritating condition. In some cases, the barrier may be related to the receiver's health e.g. a

hearing or visual impairment or even a headache can interfere with reception of a message.

These annoyances don't generally block communication entirely, but they may reduce the

receiver's level of concentration.



Distraction Solutions- Sometimes they are inescapable or unpreventable, however, some of

them can be avoided, for example: mobile phones, people arriving late, changing the subject

the way we format an email, talking about a different topic, making the receiver feel

comfortable, changing a meeting place etc can all be solutions to distractions which may

hinder effective communication.

3. Cultural Barrier - You will always find diverse culture barriers to effective communication inthis world. These communication barriers arise when people of different places ororganizations as well as those from the same places or organizations belong to differentcultures, or religions. There are many other factors of cultural barriers like age, social position,mental difference or thinking behavior, economic status, political views, values and rulesethics or standards, motives and priorities. The communication done without mixing anyculture will not miss its meaning, but once a culture is mixed with the communication, then itmay loose its exact meaning.

Cultural Barrier Solutions -Effective communication requires deciphering the basic valuesmotives, aspirations, and assumptions that operate across geographical lines. To overcome the

barriers associated with differing backgrounds, avoid projecting your own background or cultureonto others. Clarify your own and understand the background of others, spheres of knowledge,personalities and perceptions and don't assume that certain behaviors mean the same thing toeveryone. We live in a culturally diverse world. People will encounter individuals from different

races, religions, and nationalities in their day to day encounters. There is often anxietysurrounding unfamiliar cultures.

The desire to communicate is the first step in being effective. No matter what tools you gain in

cross cultural communication. The desire to connect with another human being is the bondthat will express itself clearly. A genuine effort to understand another person goes along way in

the path to communication.

Knowing about other cultures will help you develop your skills. Be proactive when approachinga new culture. This is a learned skill which means it will require research, practice, and growth.People from different backgrounds may have varied approaches to conflict managementlearning styles, family structure, religion, and most other aspects of life. It is impossible to know

the varied systems of all cultures, so approach this process one culture at a time as you meetand deal with new people.

When dealing with diverse people look for similarities. Our goals, dreams, and aspirations may

be more alike than our skin color. Parenting approaches may differ, but the common bond of amother and a child crosses many barriers. Most people have basic needs in common, like

Maslow¶s hierarchy of needs that suggest all people have physiological, safety, acceptanceself-esteem, and self-actualization needs. Considering these things it is easy to see ouressential common ground. And this is where we can begin our comprehension of others.

Put your new information about other people into action. Make a personal inventory of your ownbiases. Where has your ignorance held you back from appreciating other people? What haveyou learned that makes this old paradigm obsolete? Help to educate people in your family andgroup of friends about your new leanings. Be careful. People become attached to theirignorance, and have difficulty accepting new ideas. It may have taken you a while to gain theknowledge necessary to deal with people. Encourage others to be open, but know that





listening until they have "cooled" down. Telling an angry person to "cool" down often has theopposite effect. Getting angry with an angry person only assures that there are now two peoplenot listening to what the other is saying.

Conclusion- Although it is evident that communication is an integral instinct of all living things

and is important to every aspect of our lives, it is sad to see that the importance of

communication is only best understood when there is a lack of it. We must realize that not

everyone is equally endowed with the ability to effectively express themselves and this is where

the importance of communication skills can be truly fathomed. The importance of

communication is equal in every walk of like, be it in personal, professional or social life. As

living beings, we need to express and understand the expressions of others. The importance of

communication at no time cannot and should not be underestimated. I am sure that an

agreement could be made that sometimes, difficult situations in life can be resolved by talking it

out! Similarly, most personal, professional and social disasters can be avoided by maintaining

clear, appropriate and unambiguous communication. All we need is some effort on our part and

of those around us is to identify and avoid barriers to effective communication which wouldmake our lives and those around us easier, smoother and better.

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Barriers to effective communication[1]