Within the workplace, there exist several communication barriers that can negatively impact the productivity of the employees, as well as the existing association between managers and employees (Caputo, Jo & Ken, 2003). Such issues may come up as a result of inadequate attention given to some category of employees within the concerned organization. There are four main barriers to communication that are constantly present in the work environment and will be analyzed within the following paragraphs. Also, I will describe the various methods that managers can use to avoid or eliminate such barriers within the workplace setting.
First of all, the language barrier is the most rampant communication problem that exists in organizations found in different parts of the globe (Hogan & Ron, 2003). Although several people share the same culture and live within a common neighborhood, they may still have a different language. Therefore, it is mandatory that the manager appreciates this fact and uses universal means to communicate with all employees. Appreciating this fact would ensure that communication flows perfectly well from the top management to the lowest-ranked individuals within the organization.
However, where foreign employees are recruited within a company based on the English language, for example, it should be understood that they might not be fully conversant with the language. In a manufacturing company, for example, it may be lethal for the foreign employee to operate sophisticated machines that have all instructions in English. This may result in injuries to the operator or even death associated with machine malfunction. In response to this effect, managers should create universal signs that will give clarity on various machine operation steps (Guffey, Kathleen & Patricia, 2009). Similarly, this should be replicated to all other sections of the company that require clarity to maintain high standards of safety. Otherwise, an interpreter can be utilized for other languages that are close to the majority language in terms of the number of speaking people. In that sense, the problems resulting from the language barrier will have been solved; hence, allow for smooth progress in the activities of the company.
The lack of human connection or contact is the second barrier to communication, which may significantly impact the communication process within an organization (Hogan & Ron, 2003). In ancient times, and just before the discovery of the electronic communication system, the dialogue was the main form of communication and people transferred information through direct speaking to one another, or by writing letters using pen and paper. With modern discoveries, however, communication via electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and email has become so primary that meeting in person is considered a problem (Caputo, Jo & Ken, 2003). It is continuously getting difficult for the management and employees to meet and discuss relevant issues; thereby, making close human contact almost impossible. According to several sources, having empathy with another person is one of the human psychological needs and should be upheld within an organization (Caputo, Jo & Ken, 2003). Accordingly, when people lack adequate physical contact, loneliness would arise, which would result in reduced productivity for such employees. In particular, managers should ensure that adequate time is set aside for meetings, discussions, and other social functions: This would help employees to relate well, as well as give them the morale to move on with business responsibilities.
The clarity at which information is delivered is the third communication barrier that may appear of low concern but can have an extreme impact on the communication process within an organization. While presenting information to an individual or a group of people the presentation style must be remarkably clear; hence, does not distort or fail to pass essential components of the message. In that sense, it does not matter how accurate information is, but how well the information will reach the recipient, while still in its complete and accurate form (Hogan & Ron, 2003). As an example, a communication breakdown may come up when the method of presenting the information to employees is so long and complex that the recipient cannot comprehend the message. At that instant, a communication barrier comes into existence, and solving the problem can be done by presenting the information in a simpler method than in the first method (Caputo, Jo & Ken, 2003). While addressing this problem, the manager should also allow room for feedback from employees so that any upcoming issues such as necessary clarifications can be given.
Lastly, the barrier of emotion is the other form of communication barrier that is rampant within the workplace setting. In the workplace, negative emotions are more rampant than positive emotions due to various related workplace issues and may include fear, mistrust, and intimidation (Hogan & Ron, 2003). It is a common assertion that work and emotions should not mix, but this will occur from time to time within different organizations. Unfortunately, negative emotions affect the productivity of employees and lead to a subsequent reduction in the normal production of the business. In response, managers should devise strategies intended at addressing such issues, which may include the introduction of counseling sessions (Guffey, Kathleen & Patricia, 2009). Such strategies will ensure that all negative emotions are addressed and reduced; hence, result in the smooth running of the organization.
List of References
Caputo, J., Jo, P. and Ken, P. (2003) Effective Communication. Twickenham: Dramatic Lines.
Guffey, M., Kathleen, R. and Patricia, R. (2009) Business Communication: Process and Product. South-Western: Cengage Learning.
Hogan, K. and Ron, S. (2003) Can’t Get Through: 8 Barriers to Communication. Louisiana: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.