• 1.

Semantic Barriers
• The branch of science that deals with the meaning of words and
sentences is known as Semantic. The problems and obstructions in
the process of encoding and decoding message into words or
impressions is known as Semantic barriers. This barrier arises because
different words mean different things to different people. A
breakdown in communication can occur when two individuals attach
different meanings to a word. For example, for organisations, 'Profits'
may mean growth and efficiency, but for employees, it may mean
excess funds generated by paying inadequate wages and benefits.
• Badly Expressed Message: When a message lacks clarity and precision, it is said to be a badly expressed
message. Communication becomes ineffective when the language of the message is vague, imprecise,
or there is the use of wrong words or omission of needed words.
• Symbols with Different Meanings: The same words may carry different meanings to different people,
and can convey different meanings under different situations. For example, words like effect and affect,
ideal and idle, advice and advice, bear and bare, etc., sounds similar, but they have different meanings.
• Faulty Translations: Sometimes, people do not understand the language in which a message is given by
the sender. In such cases, it becomes necessary to translate the message into a language, which is
understandable by the receiver. The translator should be proficient enough to translate the language,
otherwise, this can also be a barrier to communication.
• Unclarified Assumptions: The receiver may have different assumptions if the sender does not clarify the
assumptions about the message. For example, a boss may say, 'Complete the work'. Here, the boss has
not mentioned the day and date when the work has to be completed. He may mean to complete the
work by tomorrow, but subordinates may understand it as a week's target.
• Technical Jargon: Technical Jargon or terminology are used by many experts and specialists to
communicate messages. Such jargon is not understood by the common people, which leads to poor
communication.
• Body Language and Gesture Decoding: Non-verbal or gestural communication is also an effective
means of communication. Facial expressions, gestures, body language, etc., should correspond to the
language. The receiver may get confused and can misunderstand the message if verbal language does
not match the body language.
• 2. Psychological Barriers
• Barriers which arise on the account of emotional and psychological status of the sender and receiver of the
message are known as Psychological Barriers. For example, a person who is under stress cannot
communicate properly.

• Some of the common forms of Psychological Barriers are as follows:

• Premature Evaluation: The tendency of forming a judgement before listening to the entire message is known
as premature evaluation. This distorts understanding and acts as a barrier to effective communication. This
can also lead to prejudices against communication.
• Lack of Attention: Communication can be less effective, and the message can be misunderstood if proper
attention is not given to it. This inattention may arise due to the preoccupied mind of the receiver. For
example, a superior gave instructions to operate a new software, however, the subordinate was preoccupied
with other personal issues. Such lack of attention makes the communication process one-way and
ineffective.
• Loss by Transmission and Poor Retention: There is loss of or transmission of inaccurate information when
communication passes through various levels or channels in the organisation. It is more common in the case
of oral communication. Poor retention also acts as a barrier when people are unable to retain the
information for a long time.
• Distrust: Lack of mutual trust between the sender and the receiver also acts as a barrier to communication.
Parties involved in communication cannot understand the message in an original sense when they do not
believe each other.
• 3. Organisational Barriers
• In an organisation, communication has to pass through various levels and channels, hence it may not reach the
same place as it was sent by the sender. Organisation structure, rules and regulations, authority relationships,
etc., act as a barrier to effective communication.

• Some of the Organisational Barriers are as follows:

• Organisational Policy: Effectiveness of communication is affected by organisational policy. The communication

process is hampered if the policy is not supportive of the free flow of communication. For example, in a
centralised organisation, free communication is not encouraged, and communication has to follow through a
proper channel only.
• Rules and Regulations: The process of communication is affected by rigid and cumbersome rules and
regulations. The channels and the subject matter are already prescribed through, which the messages are to be
communicated. These prescribed rules, regulations, and channels are rigid and can act as barriers.
• Status: Psychological distance is created between superior and subordinate because of status. Such statuses
stand in the way of true and accurate communication. Subordinates are also not allowed to express their
feeling freely if the manager is status conscious.
• Complexity in Organisation Structure: Organisation structure can also act as a barrier to communication. If
there are many managerial levels in an organisational structure, then communication gets delayed and
distorted.
• Organisational Facilities: If facilities like frequent meetings, conferences, suggestion boxes, complaint boxes,
etc., are absent in an organisation, then effective communication is hampered.
• 4. Personal Barriers
• The effectiveness of communication is influenced by the personal factors of both sender and the
receiver.

• Some of the Personal Barriers are as follows:

• Fear of Challenge to Authority: If a superior fears that a particular communication can hamper his
authority, then he may withhold such communication, as he always wants to maintain a higher
position and prestige in the organisation.
• Lack of Confidence of Superior on his Subordinates: When superiors do not have faith or confidence
on the competence of their subordinates, then communication is said to be hampered. When there
is a lack of trust and confidence in subordinates, the superior may not take advice or suggestions
from the subordinates.
• Unwillingness to Communicate: Unwillingness to communicate can be another reason for ineffective
communication. Many times, subordinates do not communicate with their superiors because they
believe that if the information is not correct or appropriate, it will adversely affect them.
• Lack of Proper Incentives: Subordinates also do not take initiative to communicate, when there is no
motivation or incentives for communication. For example, if there is no reward for the suggestion
given by the subordinates, then they will not take initiative.