Dealing with Communication Barriers (Essay Sample)

Dealing with Communication Barriers
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Introduction
Communication is intricate in any organization because effective communication produces proper coordination in internal matters. Nevertheless, in many organizations there are barriers to communication which eventually need to be confronted once they are identified. In fact, if such barriers are not confronted through effective intervention initiatives, they can prove quite destructive when trying to achieve certain organizational objectives. The paper addresses the different kinds of communication barriers within an organization and how a manager can overcome each one.
Semantic Barriers
Semantic barriers to communication refer to the miscommunication which emanates from the meaning of words. Words do have different meanings but communicators have to be very clear with the object or subject being addressed in order to remain relevant to a specific conversation. For example, slang, metaphors, and connotations are all forms for semantic barriers to communication. To overcome this form of miscommunication a manager simply has to reiterate to the working staff concerning the need to use clear language when communicating. This is a personal issue which requires deliberate individual focus to implement effectively. In fact, the manager has to be an example by the way he or she communicates to workers.
Physical Barriers
The working environment can also become a communication barrier on its own. Physical barriers are the barriers within the work environment which facilitate miscommunication. Such barriers include: noise, excess temperature levels, cubes, walls, closed doors and many others. Such can hinder proper communication since workers will not be able to collaborate effectively. Managers should watch out for such barriers and have an office plan which facilitates collaboration among workers. Temperature levels should be set at a comfortable level, noise should be eliminated, and any other hindrance should be removed. This also is an easy problem to solve because physical or manipulatable objects don’t require complex strategies in order to solve them.
Personal Barriers
Personal barriers are the hindrances which come between a person and success. These hindrances come can be either imagined or real depending on the specific circumstance. Time is one of these barriers which become a personal hindrance when it becomes an excuse for not completing certain tasks. Fear can also become a hindrance because it stands in the way of success until it is addressed. The availability of resources and the lack of energy are also personal barriers which can hinder success. As a manager identifying and dealing with personal barriers requires keen observation of specific worker behaviors. Consequently, the manager and...