Barriers of effective communication:

• Communication is a human activity and so there are chances of problems in this process.
• The factors of human limitations such as affection, mistakes, estimations, misunderstanding, distrust, fear, etc. that affect communication are called barriers of communication.

Following barriers come in the way of effective communication: 

1. Lack of planning: If the order of information is not planned, sender will give wrong, unclear and incomplete information.

2. Faulty translation: Employees working at middle level receive messages from top level. At times such messages may not be in mother-tongue. The middle level staff analyzes these messages on their own and sends them at bottom level. The middle level person may make mistakes in translating the message.

3. Unclear messages:

• At times, important matters may be presented in an unclear manner. Also, the words and sentences in the message may be arranged in improperly.
• There are chances that these messages fail to give clarity to the receiver.

4. Unclear assumptions: Many messages depend upon guess work and assumptions. If these are not clarified while transmitting messages, their meaning and importance might . change when at the receiver’s end.

5. Shortage of time:

• Many times decisions are taken on the basis of information. After getting information, it is to be implemented.
• However, if information is not available on time, then the message loses its importance and effectiveness.

6. Overburden in communication:

• There is a constant and continuous exchange of communication in large industries. A high flow of communication over-burdens people.
• If information is transmitted and received by someone who may be over-burdened, then he may not be able to maintain precision of information and just conduct the task of communication.
• This may prove quite harmful for the organization.

7. Ignorance towards messages:

• Many times higher managers or bottom level employees remain inattentive and careless regarding messages. Due to their carelessness the message may not be transmitted or understood properly further.
• This can create several problems in the overall work processes.

8. Improper selection of media: There are specific mediums of communication for fulfilling a desired task. If these mediums are not selected properly then they may become barriers to communication. For example, if change in quantity to be produced is mentioned orally rather than in written form then it may lead to blame-game if the production is not done as per the desired change.

9. Distrust and fear:

• If fear and distrust exists in the organization, every message is perceived with doubt. This is because people might fear of being held responsible for things unnecessarily.
• At times information is changed due to the fear that correct information will lead to punishment or fine.
• Hence, based on some bitter experiences of the past, the correct information or message may be edited or not passed.