Why Miscommunication Happens Using Communication

Topic: Why Miscommunication Happens using The Communication Model Bibliography attached

Your final assignment and assessment will be a research paper and oral presentation. Each student will select one of the given topics for their research and presentation. Using the skills learned in the LRD Presentation and the Library Project, each student will review the text, materials provided in class and find three scholarly reviewed articles to support the thesis of their research paper. Your paper should be 3 – 5 pages in length, using the format guidelines provided.

Paper For Above instruction

Miscommunication is an inevitable aspect of human interaction, often leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and inefficiencies in both personal and professional contexts. To understand why miscommunication occurs, it is essential to analyze the communication process systematically through established models. The communication model provides a framework for understanding how messages are transmitted, received, and interpreted, and where potential failures or distortions might arise.

The classical communication model involves several key components: the sender, the message, the medium, the receiver, and feedback. Each element plays a vital role in ensuring effective communication; however, at every stage, there are opportunities for miscommunication. For example, the sender might have an unclear message or use ambiguous language, leading to misunderstandings. The chosen medium might distort the message; for instance, written communication can lack tone or context, resulting in misinterpretation. The receiver's perceptions, biases, or cultural differences can further influence how the message is understood. Feedback, which confirms whether the message was correctly received, can be delayed or misinterpreted, perpetuating the cycle of misunderstanding.

Several factors contribute to why miscommunication persists despite the existence of structured models. Language barriers are a prominent cause, especially in multicultural settings where vocabulary, idioms, or cultural references may not translate well. Additionally, emotional states like stress or anger can impair the encoding or decoding of messages, leading to distortion. Noise, both literal (such as background noise during a phone call) and figurative (such as conflicting priorities or assumptions), can hinder clarity. The sender's and receiver's contexts also play a crucial role; differences in backgrounds, experiences, and expectations shape how messages are formulated and interpreted.

Scholarly literature supports the notion that miscommunication is rooted in both structural and cognitive factors within the communication process. For instance, Schramm’s model emphasizes the importance of shared fields of experience, highlighting that a lack of common understanding can produce misinterpretation (Schramm, 1954). Similarly, Shannon and Weaver (1949) identified "noise" as a significant source of message distortion, which aligns with the concept of external or internal disruptions affecting communication efficacy. Further research by Adler and Elmhorst (2009) underscores the impact of perceptual biases and emotional states on message clarity, elucidating how personal factors distort communication outcomes.

Effective communication requires awareness of these potential pitfalls. Strategies such as active listening, clarifying questions, and cultural sensitivity can mitigate miscommunication risks. Additionally, employing multiple channels and confirming understanding through feedback helps ensure messages are received and interpreted correctly. Organizations that prioritize effective communication cultivate a culture of openness, reducing misunderstandings and fostering collaboration.

In conclusion, miscommunication occurs frequently because of the complex, multi-layered nature of human interaction as explained by the communication model. Factors such as language differences, emotional states, noise, and individual perceptions all contribute to the phenomenon. Understanding these elements from a scholarly perspective allows individuals and organizations to implement strategies that promote clearer, more effective exchanges. Continued research and awareness are essential for reducing miscommunication's frequency and impact, thereby enhancing interpersonal and organizational effectiveness.

References

• Adler, R. B., & Elmhorst, J. M. (2009). Communicating at Work: Principles and Practices for Business and the Professions (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press.
• Schramm, W. (1954). The Process and Effects of Mass Communication. University of Illinois Press.
• Berlo, D. K. (1960). The Process of Communication. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
• Barnlund, D. C. (2008). A transactional model of communication. In International Encyclopedia of Communication (pp. 356-365). Wiley-Blackwell.
• Craig, R. T. (1999). Communication Theory as a Field. In The International Encyclopedia of Communication. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (1987). Active listening. In Communication and human behavior (pp. 69-75). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
• Keyton, J. (2011). Communication and Organizational Culture: A Key to Understanding Work Processes. SAGE Publications.
• Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. (2003). Communicating with Strangers: An Approach to Intercultural Communication. McGraw-Hill.
• Hargie, O. (2011). Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. Routledge.