Organisational Barriers

In an organisation, communication has to pass through various levels and channels, hence it may not reach the same place as it was sent by the sender. Organisation structure, rules and regulations, authority relationships, etc., act as a barrier to effective communication. 

Some of the Organisational Barriers are as follows:

• Organisational Policy:  Effectiveness of communication is affected by organisational policy. The communication process is hampered if the policy is not supportive of the free flow of communication. For example, in a centralised organisation, free communication is not encouraged, and communication has to follow through a proper channel only.
• Rules and Regulations: The process of communication is affected by rigid and cumbersome rules and regulations. The channels and the subject matter are already prescribed through, which the messages are to be communicated. These prescribed rules, regulations, and channels are rigid and can act as barriers. 
• Status: Psychological distance is created between superior and subordinate because of status. Such statuses stand in the way of true and accurate communication. Subordinates are also not allowed to express their feeling freely if the manager is status conscious.
• Complexity in Organisation Structure: Organisation structure can also act as a barrier to communication. If there are many managerial levels in an organisational structure, then communication gets delayed and distorted.
• Organisational Facilities: If facilities like frequent meetings, conferences, suggestion boxes, complaint boxes, etc., are absent in an organisation, then effective communication is hampered.

The factors which obstruct the effectiveness of communication is known as Communication Barriers. These barriers cause a mismatch between the understanding of the message by the sender and the receiver. These barriers can occur at any stage of the communication process. 

Communication is an indispensable element in human relationships. Humans interact with one another through communication. The term ‘communication’ is derived from the Latin word ‘communis’, which means common. Therefore, communication is defined as an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions to create mutual understanding. It is the sum of all things one person does in order to create understanding in the minds of others.