Overcoming Barriers to Communication in an Organization

In order for an organization to grow, communication amongst its members is a crucial factor. Conflicts are sure to affect the organization's peace and progress hard if there isn't a sufficient channel in the communication system. The act of transmitting and receiving information from one person or location to another is referred to in this context as communication. A sender and a receiver are required for communication to be improved (Miller, 2014). The procedure is quite complicated because it requires numerous operators and a great deal of decision-making. The process includes the following: a sender encodes the message, selecting a channel of communication, receiver receives the message and decodes it sometimes back to the sender. In any organization, the level of effectiveness in communication counts much in the progress and the productivity of the organization (Miller, 2014). Communication between the members of the organization is a key factor, and emphasis should be placed on it. A number of communication barriers exist, and hence, the essay is aimed at analyzing how one as a manager can overcome them.

As a manager, handling barriers is the core issue that has to be given priority (Sallis, 2014). Considering process barriers, they appear due to a number of channels that have to be followed in relaying information. As a manager, I will ensure that organization policies governing communication are reviewed by creating a free communication avenue where the hindrance in bringing issues or any information on board is not accompanied by rigid channels (Lapointe & Beaudry, 2016). In regard to this, the employees can communicate freely but ethically through a number of ways. These may include letters, suggestion boxes, telephone, email, or on personal basis without restriction of entering any office within the organization. Furthermore, I will ensure frequent organization meetings with workers are held so that the collective or individual views of the members are aired out. Also, organizational facilities such as stationery, translators, and telephones will be availed to provide clear and timely communication.

Overcoming personal barriers, I will assure that the working atmosphere in the organization is favorable at every level. From this perspective, I will launch proper incentive plan within the company, which will eliminate the fear the subordinates have towards their superiors in the organization. Through incentives, the employees are guaranteed that their suggestions will be treated with much importance regardless of whether they are positive or negative. This will also boost exchange of ideas in the future, and therefore, the subordinates are able to complete the communication cycle and speak their mind without intimidation. Furthermore, through delegation of duties and confidence, morale and proper communication within the firm are enhanced (Miller, 2014). This means that I will ensure all the barriers related to superiority are eliminated so that all the top employees allow challenge in the organization. This will reduce the likelihood of the subordinates and top officials to conceal information or fear demotion by sharing their weaknesses.

Sematic barriers, on the other hand, encompass all distortion of the information from the sender to the receiver due to the complexity either in the language or the mode of communication used. As a manager, I will keenly adhere to the communication done in official language, symbols, expressions, and clear assumptions. This means that all information received will be properly translated according to the understanding of the different employees in an organization (Sallis, 2014). In cases where I want to communicate to the employees, all the information will be in simple, clear, and proper technical language that one does not need to strain in order to get the meaning. Moreover, the choice of words and sentences will be the driving force that I will apply as a manager to eliminate sematic barriers in communication, hence avoiding unclear assumptions and defective translations.

In discharging my duties as a manger, I will employ a number of ways to overcome physical barriers, which pose a challenge to the employees’ comfort and hence hinder effective communication in an organization. Therefore, I will ensure the physical structures are favorable forming an atmosphere that favors proper communication within the members in a company (Lapointe & Beaudry, 2016). The physical structures like in offices should be neat, well ventilated, and in good condition for the employees to work perfectly. This involves purchasing the required resources that are used to aid in effective communication. They include telephones in all offices, internet connections, and sufficient communication gadgets.

In summary, communication perfection must be something that every manager and the organization ought to achieve. However, the management and the culture of the organization also matters in that it is the manager who should work tirelessly to ensure there are no communication barriers in order to create a cohesive environment. Communication barriers are the most often problems experienced in many organizations, and failure to deal with them affects both the internal and external surroundings of the institution. By doing all these, it will be easy to achieve the aimed goals and provision of quality services to the costumers.



References

Lapointe, L., & Beaudry, A. (2016). The Role of Organizational Internal Communication on Individuals' Reactions to New Information.

Miller, K. (2014). Organizational communication: Approaches and processes. Nelson Education.

Sallis, E. (2014). Total quality management in education. Routledge.