Communication Barriers

• Barriers to communication are anything that impedes the proper receiving of a message

Common Barriers to Communication

• Jargon is a common barrier because it uses overly complicated or unfamiliar language
• Emotional barriers and taboos can make it difficult for people to express emotions on certain topics such as politics, religion, or disabilities
• A lack of attention, interest, or distractions also create barriers
• Physical disabilities that involve hearing and speech are also barriers

Cultural Communication Barriers

• Cultural differences lead to barriers since norms of social interaction and emotional expression differ, impacting concepts like personal space
• Language differences and/or unfamiliar accents further the possibility of miscommunication
• Expectations and prejudices might lead to assumptions or stereotyping
• Physical barriers that affect non-verbal communication, like seeing gestures or body language, reduce its effectiveness

Cross Cultural Communication (CCC) Barriers

• CCC barriers stem from insufficient cultural understanding and intercultural communication skills.
• Key to eliminating them is adequate CCC training and exposure to other cultures
• These include language, non-verbal communication, stereotypes, and psychological factors
• High stress levels and geographical distance further add to these barriers

Language Barriers (CCC)

• Words describing morals can be unique to an area
• Linguistic precision is especially needed in low-context cultures
• Language can be barrier because shapes the way we see the world and behave
• One example is that 24 words exits in Eskimo language for snow
• Social distance can arise in environments where some team members have a better grasp of the common language
• Withdrawal, influenced performance, and competence may occur for those less fluent

Overcoming Language Barriers

• Language can be learnt or an interpreter can be used
• Seeking for clarification is important
• Agendas should be prepared and shared and a meeting minutes written
• Avoid writing follow up emails as a sign of distrust

Non-Verbal Communication

• Non-verbal communication plays a role in intercultural encounters
• Most non-verbal gestures are impacted by culture
• Gestures that might appear intrusive or offensive in one culture may be completely acceptable in another.
• Non-verbal actions can have different meanings for different cultures.

How to Overcome Non-Verbal Barriers

• You should not assume you completely understand a signal unless the culture is familiar
• Be aware of own communication patterns and the different meanings across cultures
• Don't take a stranger's behavior personally, regardless of whether it's upsetting in a culture

Stereotypes

• People will often automatically categorize others in their heads, typically by culture, age, gender, social class, and race
• Oversimplified generalizations are stereotypes
• Efforts should be put into increasing the awareness of own perceptions/stereotypes of cultures encountered
• Behaviour should be reinterpreted from a cultural perspective, adapting stereotypes to fit own experiences

Psychological Barriers

• Psychological barriers arise from emotional and mental limitations
• Absent-mindedness, fear, excitement, and emotional instability lead to issues
• Any state of mind can influence to send/receive a message
• Sender anger can come off as aggressive
• Defensiveness/fear can cause a receiver to be unable to comprehend what's said
• The attitude can influence the communication process either positively or negatively
• Negative self-image disrupts communication

Overcoming Psychological Barriers

• Remove yourself from situations if angry
• Allow time to cool off and reassess
• Use Relaxation exercises for feelings of anxiety

Ethnocentrism

• Ethnocentrism can lead to judging other's behaviors as odd and creates an "us versus them" mentality
• Brains are programmed to judge people
• A natural tendency exists to view cultures via own lenses
• Believe own way is the right/only way

Overcoming Ethnocentrism

• Don't assume different cultures won't have values, beliefs, or customs
• Be respectful, keeping the golden rule in mind
• Research traditions and lifestyles, keeping an open mind in order to build appreciation
• People shouldn't be judged by cultural values or assumed of mistakes

Stress in Intercultural Interactions

• High level of stress is associated with intercultural interactions and can be uncomfortable
• Interactions can be very rewarding
• Ambiguity of cross-cultural situations you are unsure of should be accepted
• Benefits of the doubt should be given and you should forgive yourself

Geographical distance

• Geographical distance creates difficulties for connection
• Virtual team collaboration is challenging
• People don't get to interact and building relationships with each other as in a traditional environment
• People share information less
• Coping is needed with meeting timings due to time differences