Barriers to Communication

392 Words2 Pages
Effective communication is the most vital component of any successful group. However, several barriers exist that hinder operative communication within groups. Barriers prevent group members from producing results. One of the major barriers of communication is filtering. Filtering refers to a sender’s purposely manipulating information so the receiver will see it more favorably. Filtering prevents members of a group from getting the complete picture of a situation. Filtering leads to miscommunication. Filtering distorts communication as listeners decode information into their own words, each creating a unique version of what was said. (Robbins and Judge 2011) Another common barrier is selective perception. Selective perception occurs when receivers in the communication process selectively see and hear based on their needs, motivations, experience, background, and other personal characteristics. Receivers also project their interests and expectations into communications as they decode them. Group members interpret what they see and call it a reality. When faced with something that does not fit the current image of reality, group members structure the situation to minimize conflict. (Robbins and Judge 2011) One of the most complex barriers in communication is the emotional barrier. Members may interpret the same message differently when angry or distraught than when happy. Extreme emotions such as elation or depression are most likely to hinder effective communication. In such instances, groups are most prone to disregard rational and objective thinking processes and substitute emotional judgments. Emotion influences the group participant’s capacity to be understood and hampers the understanding of others. (Robbins and Judge 2011) A final barrier to effective communication is language. Even when we are communicating in the same language, words mean
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