Question

In what ways do the barriers to interpersonal communication interfere with your development of the diversity competency? Explain. (Marks 20)

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Note: Please make a detail answer and please do not copy from internet plagiarism is prohibited

Answer 1

The 4 main barriers of interpersonal communication that have adverse effect on developing diversity are as follows

Language barrier: This barrier arises when the sender and receiver do not share a common language. This particularly true in case workplaces that have team members across regions, countries and continents. Though the translators are interpreters are an easy solution to this problem, they come with a cost which may always not be affordable.

• Often, the sender or the receiver, who partially understand the others language may opt to communicate by themselves, without aid of translators and interpreters. In case the sender and receiver are likely to mis-communicate or misunderstand the message leading to wrong communication.
• Also, the language barrier may hinder socializing among people. They may restrict the communication only to business and work due to tediousness of interpretation and translations process. Thus, the interpersonal relationship fail to develop thus effecting diversity at workplace.

Psychological barrier: This barrier arises due emotions, stereotypes and perceptions of the sender and/or receiver. Eg – shyness, anxiety, nervousness etc. Usually this barrier has its roots in the behavioural constitution of the person and/or past experiences. Usually counselling, training and practicing are good ways to overcome this barrier

• Often some bright employees may not be able to openly discuss their ideas and suggestions in a diverse group or team as he/she may not be sure how the others who respond to it. In such cases a moderator who ensure that everyone in the group talks is essential to get all ideas from all people on table
• Also, the receiver of the message may not understand the message given to him completely, but may be too intimidated of the sender to ask for clarification

Cultural Barrier: This barrier arises due to people coming from different cultural settings, having different work styles, social practices. Many practices that are considered acceptable by certain cultures and completely unacceptable in other cultures. Diversity sensitization training is often deployed to minimize this barrier.

• In some countries with low power distance between the manager and team it may be completely normal for team members to cross question and clarify doubts with manager. However, in countries with high power distance, e.g. Asia, the team members may hesitate to do so. Thus, clear expectation setting with the members may be essential to avoid this barrier.
• Cultural prejudices & stereotyping often create a negativity in minds of people leading to lake of communication and resistance to mix with other diverse groups

Environmental Barrier: This barrier arises due to factors in the external environment of sender and/or receiver. E.g. Noise, poor connectivity etc. When people are interacting from diverse settings it is essential that distractions and diversions are absent. This is essential because both, the sender and receiver, have to be extra attentive and precise to ensure the correct relay of message. The body language, dialect, and the verbal communication has to be interpreted and understood with accuracy. Thus, the environmental barriers, if any, have to be blocked or removed from the surrounding.