Barriers to Communication and Causes of Communication Failure in Businesses
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Barriers to communication can occur if the recipient has failed to convey the meaning or / and the importance of the message.

• Sender breakdown – too much information is being sent, so the recipient misses key points.  Also, language can be difficult to understand, as it can be too complex.
• Method breakdown – when information is very detailed or complicated, then written instructions are better than messages which can be misinterpreted.
• Recipient breakdown – the recipient deliberately makes a choice to misinterpret the message because of their attitude to either the sender to the message at hand.

Other problems with communication could be:

• Long chain of command.
• Language - complex, and hard to understand.
• Vague purpose – not detailed enough, more explanation required
• Inappropriate medium (method used, e.g. written, electronically etc).
• Red tape – message gets passed on to many different people before finally reaching the recipient making the process too long and the message changing.  Also, actions can be delayed as a result of a late arrival of the message.
• Status of two parties – can be intimidated by the other person’s status because of their gender, age etc.
• Location – distance of recipient or where message has to reach.
• Distraction – Communication channels breaking up.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Communication for Businesses
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Annual Reports as a method of external business communication
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Letters as form of business Communication
4. Aims of Internal Business Communication
5. Barriers to Communication and Causes of Communication Failure in Businesses
6. Faxes and Leaflets
7. Methods of Communication
8. Processes of Communication in a Business Organisation
9. Telex and Teletext for Business Communication
10. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Tannoy System for Business Communication
11. The Purpose of External Business Communication
12. Using Notices in Business Communication - Advantages and Disadvantages
13. Videoconferencing for Business Communication

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