Page 1 - Lesson Note 9

SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

CLASS-12TH
BUSINESS STUDIES

CHAPTER -7 DIRECTING
TOPIC: Barriers to Communication

(LESSON - 27)

Barriers to Communication:

It is generally observed that managers face several problems due to
communication breakdowns or barriers. These barriers may prevent a
communication or filter part of it or carry incorrect meaning due to which
misunderstandings may be created. Therefore, it is important for a manager to

identity such barriers and take measures to overcome them. The barriers to
communication in the organizations can be broadly grouped as: semantic barriers,
psychological barriers, organizational barriers, and personal barriers. These are
briefly discussed below:

Semantic barriers: Semantics is the branch of linguistics dealing with the meaning

of words and sentences. Semantic barriers are concerned with problems and
obstructions in the process of encoding and decoding of message into words or

impressions. Normally, such barriers result on account of use of wrong words,
faulty translations, different interpretations etc. These are discussed below:
(i) Badly expressed message: Sometimes intended meaning may not be conveyed

by a manager to his subordinates. These badly expressed messages may be an
account of inadequate vocabulary, usage of wrong words, omission of needed

words etc.
(ii) Symbols with different meanings: A word may have several meanings. Receiver

has to perceive one such meaning for the word used by communicator. For
example, consider these three sentences where the work ‘value’ is used:

(a) What is the value of this ring?
(b) I value our friendship.

(c) What is the value of learning computer skills?
You will find that the ‘value’ gives different meaning in different contexts. Wrong

perception leads to communication problems.