Barriers to Effective Business

Communication
1.

Conventions of meaning

2.

Differences in perception of reality

3.

Values, attitudes and opinions

1.

Conventions of meaning
There are a lot of meanings for a single word. So, it may mislead the reader from the
real meaning. Miscommunication may occur due to the use
of Denotations and Connotations.

Denotations
Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. It means
name, object, people or events without indicating positive
or negative qualities. These words dont have clear
meanings.
Such words are: Car, Desk, Book, House, etc.
Connotations
A word that separates the meanings of a word from its
usual definition is called connotation. These have clear
meanings.
Such words are:
BMW, BC book, mental house etc.

So, use of denotations instead of connotations may mislead the reader. Choose
connotations & denotations wisely.

2.

Differences in perception of reality

Because of changing world, everyone has its own concept of reality. Each persons
mental filter is unique. In our daily interactions with others, we make various
abstractions, inferences and evaluations of the world around that may cause problems
in the way of communication.

Abstraction
It means selecting some detail and omitting others. It may
cause problem in communication. One must always try to
avoid Slanted statements. Thats why news reporters are
said to quote the statement of a person as it is to show it a
fact or true statement.
Inferences
It means conclusion on the basis of assumptions. But for
some situations inferences proves fruitful but for some
situations it is risky & sometimes dangerous.
Evaluation
It is a persons own perception or opinion towards a
certain fact.
So, difference in perception may become a hurdle in communication.

3.

Values, attitudes and opinions

Communication is also affected by the Values, attitudes and opinions of the

communicators. People react favorably when they receive agreeable message.
Occasionally people react according to their attitude towards a situation rather than to
the facts.

Closed Minds
Some people hold rigid views on certain subjects. They
dont consider facts and maintain their views. Such person
is very hard to communicate with.
Senders creditability
Usually people react more favorably to that communicator
who has credibility.
So, Values, attitudes and opinions may also become hurdles in the way of
communication.