---
title: "Barriers to communication"
subject: "Construction Management"
chapter: 10
key: "semester_8/construction_management:barriers-communication"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/barriers-communication
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Barriers to communication

Construction Management · Chapter 10: Personnel Management

- Asked in: 2077 Chaitra, 3 marks; 2067 Mangsir (old course), 4 marks; 2066 Magh (old course), 4 marks (asked 3 times)
- Video: [Communication Barriers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsl468Hwr4o) — Alexander Lyon Communication Coach
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/barriers-communication
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/construction_management/chapter-10

## Question

Write a short note on barriers to communication.

## Short answer

Barriers to communication include noise, language differences, psychological factors, rigid hierarchy, poor listening, and information overload. They can be overcome by using clear simple language, feedback, reducing levels, and choosing appropriate media.

## Answer

**Barriers to communication** are factors that prevent a message from being sent, received or understood correctly. They cause delay, errors and conflicts in a project.

#### Types
1. **Physical / environmental barriers:** noise of machines on site, distance, bad weather, poor telephone or network, large number of sites.
2. **Language and semantic barriers:** different languages and dialects of workers, technical words, jargon, and unclear drawings or instructions.
3. **Psychological barriers:** prejudice, mistrust, fear of the boss, lack of interest, emotions, and differences in perception.
4. **Organisational barriers:** too many levels in the hierarchy, long chains of command, unclear authority, no feedback system, poor information flow.
5. **Personal / attitude barriers:** poor listening, status differences between engineer and labourer, resistance to change, bias.
6. **Information overload or lack of information:** too much paperwork, or missing or late data.
7. **Cultural and educational differences:** workers from different backgrounds and literacy levels.
8. **Technological barriers:** failure of equipment, lack of IT skills.

#### Overcoming
- Use simple, clear words and visual aids (sketches, signs), and written confirmation.
- Take feedback, listen actively and encourage two-way communication.
- Reduce hierarchy levels and hold regular meetings.
- Choose a suitable medium (face to face on site, written for contract matters).
- Train staff and build trust.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is a physical barrier?
   A. Prejudice
   B. Machine noise on site
   C. Fear of boss
   D. Resistance to change
   Answer: B. Noise, distance and poor network are physical barriers. (Key point: Physical barriers)

2. Which causes an organisational barrier?
   A. Too many hierarchy levels and no feedback system
   B. Poor listening
   C. Dialects
   D. Equipment failure
   Answer: A. Long chains of command and lack of feedback are organisational barriers. (Key point: Organisational)

3. How can barriers be overcome?
   A. Use jargon
   B. Reduce meetings
   C. Add hierarchy levels
   D. Use simple words, visual aids, feedback and written confirmation
   Answer: D. Simple language, visuals, feedback, fewer levels and regular meetings help. (Key point: Overcoming)

## Related in other subjects

- [Barriers of active listening](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Abarriers-active-listening) — Communication English, chapter 4