Communication in business - Essay Example

Miller (2011) establishes a number of prominent communication barriers. They include physical, system, and attitude barriers. In terms of physical barriers, such divisions are because of actual physical divisions between co-workers or departments; these include workplace cubicles or other such divisions (Miller, 2011). The physical barriers usually occur due to the nature of environment, for example, if staff is located in different buildings or sites – than it is difficult for them to communicate with each other.

Similarly, if the management fails to introduce new technology – than it can also cause physical barriers (Miller, 2011). The distractions like poor lighting, background noises, too cold or hot environment can also cause interference in effective communication (Dailey, 2011). Systems barriers are those that are built into the fabric of the organization, preventing employees from clearly understanding who they should communicate concerns, insights, or issues with. This barrier usually occurs when there is a problem in the system or structure of an organization.

System barriers include inappropriate information systems, lack of training, supervision and duties (Dailey, 2011). Finally, attitude barriers constitute a broad range of personality and cultural differences preventing effective communication (Smith, 2010). . Within these communication barriers there are a number of further concerns. One such issue is the understanding that much communication is occurring ‘off the grid’. This creates a situation where lower-tier employees are often times left out of important organizational discussions.

Guerro (2010) argues that organizations such as Apple Inc. have leveraged such secrecy to great success. Other organizations have additionally created a paternal structure where profits and stability are not shared with employees until the last possible instance (Guerro, 2010). While this approach has the benefit of greater institutional control and strategy, it is clear that a more open organizational culture could be achieved through the establishment of greater personal responsibility. Strati (1999) argues that organizations should establish structures that allow the employees to greater knowledge of business operations contingent on their level of organizational commitment and subordination.

Achieving this approach necessitates a fluid and dynamic organizational structure (Strati, 1999). There are a number of elements that could aid the new UK centre of operations communicate more effectively across its UK operations internationally. One important means of encouraging more effective communication is through the establishment of social bonds that go beyond those directly associated with workplace context. Dawn (2010) argues that this can be established through social outings and physical dimensions that encourage a degree of socialization.

Dawn (2010) also assets that such practices are applicable to intercultural communication. Still, it is necessary to pay special attention to cultural difference (Dawn, 2010). Taylor and Hanson