4: Perspectives in Communication/Barriers in
Communication
Communication is a multifaceted process influenced by various perspectives that shape how messages
are sent, received, and interpreted. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for effective
communication in both personal and professional contexts. Here, we explore several key perspectives in
communication: psychological, social, cultural, and contextual.
1. Psychological Perspective
The psychological perspective focuses on the internal processes of individuals involved in
communication, such as perception, cognition, and emotion. This perspective is concerned with how
individuals encode, transmit, and decode messages based on their mental states and prior experiences.
- **Perception**: Individuals perceive messages differently based on their previous experiences,
expectations, and mental frameworks. For example, a person’s mood can significantly influence how
they interpret a message.
- **Cognition**: Cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and reasoning play a crucial role in
communication. For instance, a well-organized and clearly articulated message is more likely to be
remembered and understood.
- **Emotion**: Emotions can both facilitate and hinder communication. Positive emotions like
enthusiasm can enhance communication effectiveness, while negative emotions like anger can create
barriers.
2. Social Perspective
The social perspective examines communication as a social activity involving interaction between
individuals and groups. It considers the roles, norms, and relationships that shape communication
dynamics.
- **Roles**: People communicate differently based on their social roles (e.g., parent, teacher, manager).
These roles come with certain expectations and responsibilities that influence communication styles.
- **Norms**: Social norms dictate acceptable behavior in communication. For example, politeness
norms guide how people use language to show respect and avoid conflict.
- **Relationships**: The nature of the relationship between communicators (e.g., friends, colleagues,
strangers) affects the formality, tone, and content of communication. Trust and familiarity can lead to
more open and effective communication.
3. Cultural Perspective
The cultural perspective emphasizes the influence of culture on communication. Culture shapes values,
beliefs, and practices, which in turn affect how individuals communicate.
- **Language**: Language is a primary cultural tool that influences how people express and interpret
messages. Different languages have unique structures and vocabularies that reflect cultural priorities.
- **Nonverbal Communication**: Cultural norms also dictate nonverbal behaviors, such as gestures,
eye contact, and personal space. For example, a gesture that is positive in one culture might be
offensive in another.
- **Cultural Contexts**: High-context cultures (e.g., Japan, Arab countries) rely heavily on implicit
communication and nonverbal cues, while low-context cultures (e.g., United States, Germany) prefer
explicit and direct communication.
4. Contextual Perspective
The contextual perspective looks at the situational factors surrounding communication, including
physical, social, and temporal contexts.
- **Physical Context**: The physical environment where communication takes place can impact the
interaction. For example, a noisy room can hinder effective communication, while a comfortable setting
can facilitate it.
- **Social Context**: The social situation, including the presence of others and the social roles they
play, influences communication. For instance, a person might communicate differently in a formal
meeting compared to a casual gathering.
- **Temporal Context**: Timing and temporal factors, such as time of day or the sequence of events,
also affect communication. Communicating urgent information promptly is often more effective than
delaying it.
Conclusion
Understanding the various perspectives in communication enhances our ability to connect with others
effectively. By considering psychological, social, cultural, and contextual factors, we can navigate the
complexities of communication more skillfully, leading to better relationships, collaboration, and
outcomes in all areas of life.
