What do you understand by Communication ? Explain the general barriers of Effective communication.

Answer – Communication transfers information, ideas and feelings to create shared understanding.

Semantic barriers: badly expressed messages; symbols with different meanings; faulty translations; unclarified assumptions; technical jargon; and body language inconsistent with spoken words.

Psychological barriers: premature evaluation before hearing the full message; lack of attention; loss of information through repeated transmission and poor retention; distrust between sender and receiver.

Organisational barriers: restrictive policies; rigid rules and procedures; status differences that discourage communication; complex structures with many levels; inadequate communication facilities.

Personal barriers: fear of challenge to authority; lack of confidence in subordinates; unwillingness to communicate; and absence of incentives to share useful information.

For example, unfamiliar abbreviations are a semantic barrier, while refusing to listen because of distrust is psychological. Identify the actual cause before suggesting a remedy.