Introduction
A workplace environment is one of the places that should value the closeness and harmonious relationships among its employees. A successful business or workplace environment depends on efficient and effective communication among members of the company. It is inevitable that problems related to ineffective communication or disruption in the communication process will occur in the workplace. Communication is vital in a company or any other institution because it encourages productive and professional relationships among workers and executives.
Communication is a common problem in businesses, often becoming a barrier to achieving greater effectiveness. Poor communication can include interpersonal conflict, misunderstandings among employees, and conflicts between executives and subordinates. This issue also affects other aspects of the business such as productivity, quality of products and services, and diversity in the workplace. The types and causes of poor and ineffective communication greatly contribute to its impact on the workplace environment (Smith).
Communication problems, such as ineffective relationships and issues with the flow of information between supervisors and subordinates, can lead to difficulties. However, these dilemmas are relatively easy to solve. While some individuals may not be born communicators, they can learn the art of communication with ease.
Communication Characteristics
The work that I am involved in is overseas and involves dealing with various cultures. Dealing with people from other cultures can be very difficult, as we may unintentionally offend each other by being unaware of the characteristics of the other culture. In contemporary society, due to globalization, people from various nations are able to migrate, resulting in an increase in the number of workers belonging to other nationalities (Harlig). Each nationality has its own language, and people may have difficulty speaking English. Differences in language can be a barrier to effective communication and a serious problem.
Aside from language differences, cultural diversity can also pose a problem in a workplace environment. A company with employees from various cultures may struggle to understand each other’s actions and manner of speaking. Culture is made up of distinct characteristics that differentiate one group of people from another. When there is cultural diversity in the workplace, it can be challenging to establish unity.
A common communication problem is misinterpreting information conveyed by superiors to subordinates due to a language barrier. Individuals from different nationalities with lower educational backgrounds may have difficulty understanding orders or instructions given by those who speak well and have attained higher education.
One of the problems in the workplace is the difference in communication styles among employees, particularly managers. This has become a significant communication issue as employees often misinterpret messages due to the communication style used by the sender. It is crucial for all employees, especially managers, to have appropriate and effective communication styles that convey clear and understandable messages to recipients.
Communication style refers to a person’s manner or preference in communicating with others and interpreting their messages. When two people share similar communication styles, they are more likely to understand each other better.
It is undeniable that some people excel at expressing themselves and their thoughts in a way that others can easily understand. Their style of communication encourages people to listen. However, problems arise when individuals judge others based on their speaking style rather than the content of their message. This can lead to difficulties in understanding messages from those who employ a different communication style. Additionally, people may form opinions about another person’s character and motives based solely on their manner of speaking (Harlig). These assumptions can be incorrect and create barriers to successful interactions.
For example, employees may make assumptions about each other based on their accents or speaking styles. If an employee does not like the way another employee speaks, they may assume they will not get along with them.
Solving Communication Problems
In order to solve communication dilemmas, it is important to first determine the exact communication problem. It is also necessary to assess the difficulties within the organization before attempting to solve any problems (Harlig). One way to address communication issues is by improving one’s communication skills. Managers and supervisors can benefit greatly from honing their communication skills as it will help them manage their subordinates effectively and handle interpersonal conflicts and misunderstandings with ease.
In our intercultural communication problem, it is crucial to understand the culture of a particular nationality, particularly in language and communication aspects. This understanding helps avoid misunderstandings during meetings and business transactions with international clients.
Clear lines of upward, downward, and horizontal communication are effective ways to solve problems. Upward communication involves subordinates communicating with higher-level officers. Downward communication is when supervisors or managers communicate with regular employees. Horizontal communication occurs between people of the same rank or authority. Improving communication in the workplace can help achieve a unified style that all members of the organization can understand.
Conclusion.
Communication problems are inevitable in the workplace. There are issues that arise from ineffective and inefficient communication, which can be destructive if neglected. These dilemmas come in many forms such as gender differences, language barriers, cultural differences, and grapevine. The impact of these problems varies depending on their extent. However, they can be solved by developing one’s communication skills to convey messages effectively. Resolving conflicts is also important to maintain productivity and quality in business.
Effective communication is vital in business and other institutions. It is utilized to convey important messages and information that are vital to the company, perform transactions, deliberate on important issues, and discuss relevant ideas with the whole company. Through effective communication, employees and managers alike can maintain harmonious relationships with co-workers. This good working relationship will have a positive impact on the company’s overall performance. A company that has effective communication will also achieve unity and efficiency.
Works Cited.
Harlig, Jeff. “Effective Workplace Communication: It’s More Than Just Talk.” May/June 1999. Retrieved 10 March 2009 from [email protected]. Available at:
Smith, Shawn. “Remove Your Workplace Communication Barriers: They Are Costing More Than You Think!.” Next Level Consulting. 2003. Retrieved 10 March 2009 from http://www.nextlevel-consulting.com/articles/management/article06.html.
