The impact and causes of poor communication in modern workplaces

A recent report entitled "Communication barriers in the modern workplace" by The Economist Intelligence Unit, which included 403 senior executives, managers, and junior staff from United States of America companies, mentioned that poor communication is having a tremendous impact on the modern workplace.

   Respondents say communication barriers are leading to a delay or failure to complete projects (44%), low morale (31%), missed performance goals (25%), and even lost sales (18%) - some worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

   The most frequently cited cause of communication barriers is fundamentally human: different communication styles. In an age of constantly changing and real-time communication tools, this barrier is made more complex by generational and functional differences in communication preferences.

   Also, 44% of respondents indicate that miscommunication has caused a delay or failure to complete projects. As for the direct impact on business, 18% say miscommunication has led to the loss of a sale. Different communication styles (42%), unclear responsibilities (34%) and time pressures (31%) are the three most frequently cited causes of poor communication.

   These causes suggest that managers need to tailor their communication styles to those around them to be effective. Doing so would ensure team members operate with a clear understanding of what they need to accomplish and expectations of when goals should be met.