Factors That Influence Communication

There are different ways that the environment can affect communication. For example: Noise - A noisy environment can mean road works, loud music, and transportation. Setting - Pictures, signs, decorations and poor lighting can distract people which makes them lose focus. Time - Meeting at the wrong time and phone calls at the wrong time can affect communication. Space - Overcrowded places for example corridors, public transport, offices and stores can affect communication. Distance can also affect communication, if people are trying to communicate and there is a gap between them it can cause a communication barrier.

Barriers

There are also lots of barriers that can affect communication. For example: Types of communication: difficult, complex or sensitive: Most communication between people is about sharing or transmitting information. For example, someone might want to know what number bus to catch, or they may ask for a drink. At times communication will be complex. For example, a relative might want to know about funding arrangements for care.

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Communication about funding might involve a lot of complex information. It would be important to check what that relative already knew and whether or not they understood the information that was given.

Cultural Influence

Culture refers to the customs, language, arts, common dietary habits and attire of a particular region. It also includes the learned values, beliefs and behaviours common to a group of individuals. Culture and communication are inseparable. This means that culture can be a strong barrier to interpersonal communication between people of different cultures.

Individuals from different cultural backgrounds often carry an attitude that their own culture is superior to that of others. This attitude hampers interpersonal communication between two individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds. Individuals who are ethnocentric in nature often are under the impression that anyone who does not belong to their group is either strange or inferior. This perception also prevents healthy social and political communication between two groups.

Power

Power is the ability to influence others and have strong self-control under complex circumstances. All interpersonal communication or interactions reflect some form of power, which may be obvious or hidden. Obvious power refers to people who occupy a higher position in business or government and have to communicate with their employees or subjects. People in power positions may exert their power on individuals who are not equally competent, and this inequality could act as a barrier to effective communication.

References

• Indirectness Difficulty: A Common Barrier to Cross-Cultural Communication - Improve Your Lingo
• Culture and Communication - Communication Helper