Manzano, Fatima Dhriza M.

BSN1F
BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE OMMUNICATION
1. Physiological Barrier

Physiology is the state of human body and mind. Physiological barriers of

communication occur due to the physical condition of sender or receiver which might
even be physical disabilities. It includes sensory dysfunction and other physical
dysfunctions. Effective communication requires proper functioning of the senses in
both the sender and the receiver. Limitation of human body and mind adds up to the
physiological barrier causing interruption in message from reaching its destination or
having meaning.

2. Environmental Barrier

Environmental barrier often result due to certain factors which lie outside the
communication thread—in the surroundings or external environment where
communication takes place. They may be related with the noisy or non-conducive
communication climate; a rigid hierarchy in an organization, a physical or
chronometric (time-related) issue pertaining to a particular society/culture; an ethical
or social concern, a technological glitch, etc.

3. Psychological Barrier

The Psychological or Emotional Barriers refers to the psychological state i.e.

Opinions, attitudes, status consciousness, emotions, etc. of a person that deeply affects
the ability to communicate, for example someone with social anxiety and/or low self-
esteem may be too distracted about how they are perceived when talking with a superior.

4. Social Barrier

Social barriers to communication include the social psychological phenomenon of

conformity, a process in which the norms, values, and behaviors of an individual
begin to follow those of the wider group. Social factors such as age, gender,
socioeconomic status, and marital status may act as a barrier to communication in
certain situations.

5. Cultural barrier

Culture shapes the way we think and behave. It can be seen as both shaping and being
shaped by our established patterns of communication. Cultural barrier to
communication often arises when individuals in one social group have developed
different norms, values, or behaviors to individuals associated with another group.
Cultural difference leads to difference in interest, knowledge, value, and tradition.
Therefore, people of different cultures will experience these culture factors as a
barrier to communicate with each other.
6. Semantic Barrier

Language, jargon, slang, etc., are some of the semantic barriers. Different languages
across different regions represent a national barrier to communication, which is
particularly important for migrating nurses. Use of jargon and slang also act as barrier
to communication.

7. Organizational Barrier

Unclear planning, structure, information overload, timing, technology, and status

difference are the organizational factors that may act as barriers to communication.

8. Communication-related Barrier

Unclear planning, structure, information overload, timing, technology, and status

difference are the organizational factors that may act as barriers to communication.