Malfunctions of communication

Introduction:

The symbols we use in our efforts to communicate are plagued with

Imperfections and at best only loosely fit the reality to which they refer. As if this sources of
Miscommunications were not enough. We shall see that additional malfunctions exist in our
Communication effort.

Definition: These malfunctions may be described as patterns of miscommunication that are

Common in human communication effort. Some of these patterns are products of language and
result from the language imperfections. Others involve the logical thought patterns that are part
of our cultural heritage specifically, of the system of thinking handed down to us from past
generations.

Different Types of Malfunctions:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Two valued thinking

Fact inference confusion
The blocked mind
The static viewpoint
Failure to discriminate

Characteristics of Malfunctions: characteristics of malfunctions are given below:

Two Valued thinking: Two valued thinking exists when we consider only two possibilities
in a situation. Its deeply entrenched in our culture and language. Its accepts no middle ground.

Characteristics of Two Value Thinking:

1. The true Dichotomy: Two valued thinking can describe some situations correctly
sometimes. It fits the reality. Common in business situation. E.g. either to buy or not to
buy.

2.Multi valued situations: Not all situations are two valued. Reporting multi value
situation in two value thinking is incorrect. It is lack of thinking & inaccurate reporting.

Fact-inference confusion: We communicate on the basis of experiences as they fit

reality. But, factual communication may not be possible. We need to infer and inference might go
wrong. Wrong inference causes miscommunication.

Characteristics of Fact-inference confusion:

1. Need for inferences: An essential factor of communication. No inference-no
communication. Limiting all comments to factual materials; makes communication dull
and difficult. Required for interpretations, predictions and evaluation. Inference required
for survival though it involves some risk. To live we must calculate risk and make.
2. Effect of communication: Communication involving inferences has probability of
being untrue. Inferences are not facts of reality. Do not treat your inferences as if they
were facts. Do not infer from the facts that we perceive. Interferences are a source of
human miscommunication.

The blocked mind: The blocked mind means is closed to reality. It considers only limited
information. A result of opinion, attitudes and beliefs. We covered one of the causes of this form
of miss communication with respect to opinions, and beliefs. Our tendency to reject ideas
approach our viewpoints is a cause of the block mind.

Characteristics of the blocked mind:

1. A Result of Allness: Allness (judging the whole by a part) contributes to the block
mind. Knowing all about reality is possible. We select parts which to communicate.
Concentrating on one characteristic in the belief that it is the whole produces
miscommunication.

2. Unblocking the mind: Unblocking the mind from the effects of our viewpoints and
our tendency to allness is no simple undertaking. Explaining how to do it involves the
most general of instructions. Nevertheless, it can be done, at least to some extent; and if
we are to improve our communication, we must try.

The Static Viewpoint: we often view reality as static. Because reality is always
changing. Such a view causes miscommunication. Communication must reflect changes in
reality.

Characteristics of the static viewpoint:

1. The static viewpoint in business communication: Written and oral communication
in business must reflect time changes. If they do not miscommunication will occur. Be aware
of the fact that reality changes; its never static but symbols might remain unchanged. Failure
to address the changes in reality may cause errors in all form of communication.

1. The contributing factor of language: Language contributes to static thinking.

Even tense, dates, and time references do not permit language to account for all
change in reality, but the symbols remain the same.

Failure to discriminate:

It is contrary to the nature of things. Our language,

built on broad categories, has contributed to view similarities. Tendency to see similarities rather
than differences in reality: source of miscommunication.

Characteristics of failure to discriminate:

1. Discrimination Failure and Business Communication: We need precision is
selecting words for our letter writing business speaking tasks. Use stereotypes with caution in
letters in business. In oral and written reporting - search the differences, analyze them and
reach conclusion from their analyses. Awareness of discrimination failure helps have better
communication.

2. Miscommunication from Stereotypes: Focus on similarities forces us to form

stereotypes. Stereotypes totally not true; there exist many differences. Stereotypes in
communication replace reality.

Recommendations: The Recommendations for correcting each malfunction, keep in

touch with reality. If we are to communicate better, we must become better acquainted with
the real world and check our communications against it.

Conclusion: Though communication is very important in our life, it has some

malfunctions too. Sometimes it creates difficulties within communication. As a result, we fall
a victim to make effective communication among the people.