The success of communication
depends upon the free flow of messages from the sender to the receiver without
any kind of barrier. Most often communication fails because of certain barriers
which can be classified as
a. Psychological
barriers
b. Cultural barriers
c. Linguistic
barriers
d. Physical Barriers
e. Mechanical
barriers
a. Psychological
Barriers
Human mind plays a
very important role in the success or failure of communication all messages
find their meaning differ in different socio-cultural environment.
i.
Absence
of common experiences of both sender and receiver – The message originates in
the idea which starts in the mind of the communicator and is produced in a
message. The meaning of the message should be shared by the sender and the
receiver. For this purpose the experiences of both the sender and the receiver
are important.
ii.
Absence
of common frame of mind – A receiver has his own point of view and accordingly
judges or evaluates the statements of the communicator. Real communication is
possible by altering the frame of mind, by listening to speaker from speaker’s
point of view without any interruption.
iii.
Defensive
Behavior on the part of the receiver – When an individual or a group feels that
there is a threat to himself or his group he adopts defensive behavior. It is
seen in the way a person reacts.
iv.
Impact
of charisma – Emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger, etc. act as barriers to
communication. It is impossible for anybody to receive messages or communicate
in a state of terror, anger, excitement etc. Ones logic stops functioning and
one cannot react
v.
Closed
mind of the receiver – There are some educated persons who believe they know
everything about everything. Thus they are not open to any new ideas.
vi.
Resistance
to change – Generally a change is resisted if it affects an individual or a
group.
b. Cultural Barriers
i.
Heterogeneous
population – In a country like India
ii.
Different
Social perceptions – there are various cultural differences in society. This
makes the task of the communicator difficult.
iii.
Poverty
and illiteracy – Due to illiteracy a person may not read newspapers or
magazines even if he can afford to buy.
Due to poverty an individual may not buy a
radio or television and so he is deprived of audio visual communication.
Electronic gadgets are expensive and not everyone can afford it.
c. Linguistic Barriers
i.
Different
interpretations of words in different countries – Words have different meanings
to different persons in different context.
ii.
Words
with different spellings and meaning but sounding the same when pronounced.
iii.
Use
of unfamiliar words – Every branch of learning such as science, literature,
journalism, law have their own terminology. Use of unfamiliar words can break
down communication.
d. Physical Barriers
i.
Competing
Stimulus – Is when another conversation is going on within hearing distance, or
loud music and traffic noise in the background disturbs communication. E.g. a
plane passing overhead
ii.
Environmental
Stress – High temperature, humidity, poor ventilation etc. contribute to
distortions in the sending and receiving of messages.
iii.
Subjective
Stress – Sleepiness, sleeplessness, ill health, effects of drugs and mood
variations give rise to subjective stress which leads to difficulties in
listening and interpretation
e. Mechanical Barriers
i. Defect
in instrument – Mechanical defects in the instrument prevent us from receiving
communication properly. Defective telephones, radio and TV sets and printing
machines that do not print clearly come in this category.
ii.
Language
– It is important to speak properly when using an instrument or vehicle of
communication. Long sentences, unnecessary use of negatives, fancy phrases,
distract the attention of the listener and the message gets distorted.
iii. Ignorance
of the medium – if the receiver is not familiar with various media in
communication the medium turns into a barrier. E.g. use of visual media like
maps and charts are useless to those who do not know to read them.
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