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Business Studies

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Business communication jottings

● The two main types of corporate communication are internal and external
communications. Internal communication is about employees, managers, executives,
and board members communicating. Some examples of internal communications are: A
memo sent from management to all employees.May 23, 2023

COMMON BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION


Regardless of the type of communication: verbal, nonverbal, written, listening or visual, if we
don't communicate effectively, we put ourselves and others at risk. Besides physical and
technical barriers, there are six barriers to effective communication every employee and
manager should strive to eradicate.
Dissatisfaction or Disinterest With One’s Job
If you are unhappy or have lost interest in your job, you are far less likely to communicate
effectively – both on the giving and receiving ends. In other words, your heart isn’t in it. This
barrier, is perhaps the most difficult to overcome because it involves changing a mindset,
and thus it typically doesn’t change until the person leaves.

Inability to Listen to Others


Active listening is an important aspect of effective communication. You cannot engage with
someone if you are not listening to them because you will tend to make assumptions about
their needs based on your perceptions versus reality.

Lack of Transparency & Trust


It is extremely difficult to communicate anything when there is a lack of transparency and
trust. For example, if your staff believes you are holding something back, they will be
anxious, some will speculate, and as a result, it will be more difficult for them to process any
attempt you make to communicate with them.

Communication Styles (when they differ)


Everyone has their own communication style. Some people are very direct while others prefer
a more indirect approach. Some use detailed data, while others rely on generalities, and so
forth. Occasionally, one person is so entrenched in their way of communicating, they find it
difficult to communicate with others who rely on a different style. You might hear comments
such as, “Mary never explains what she wants me to do, she’s never specific” or “Bill gets so
caught up in the weeds, that I lose focus on the bigger picture.”
Conflicts in the Workplace
Conflict can happen for a variety of reasons and when it does, it becomes a barrier to
effective communication. The nature of the conflict is not necessarily important, what is
important is working to resolve the conflict. When conflict is not eradicated, it grows and
then people begin to take sides, which further impedes effective communication.

Cultural Differences & Language


It is important to understand the cultural differences in communication. But don’t just think
international as in remembering that in Japan one’s surname precedes their given name.
There can also be regional differences – for example, a northerner might not like the term
"y’all" or even understand the more comprehensive version, "all y’all." While these examples
may seem trivial, the point is that cultural differences can occur within the boundaries of the
US, and when one does not recognize cultural differences, they risk offending the other
person. It is in the offense that communication breaks down.

We all should actively engage in reflecting on our own communication skills. The above list of
communication barriers, is a great place to start. Reflection, empathy (putting yourself into
the other’s shows), and practice will help you hone your skills. However, no one is perfect, so
it is also important to recognize and acknowledge when you make a mistake, which is the
first step in keeping the doors to effective communication open.

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