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3.8.4. ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Attitudinal barriers are those that arise as a result of an individual‟s own attitude and
preconceptions, which have developed over time as a result of one‟s socioeconomic and
cultural background and are frequently reflected in communication with others. One of the major

barriers to intrapersonal communication is attitude. Attitudinal barriers emerge due to each
individual‟s unique comparisons, based on their beliefs, past experiences, fears, hopes and
expectations in communication. A person‟s judgment consists of personal, professional and

organizational elements, which can lead to misunderstanding, and attention to information
during any form of communication.

Poor management in organizational conflicts, personal attitudes of individuals which may
be due to lack of motivation and dissatisfaction in workplaces greatly affect business
communication globally. Personal attitudes and opinions are main causes of barriers to effective

communication. If the communication by the sender coincides with the receiver‟s opinions and
attitudes, he would receive it correctly. However, if the message does not coincide with the
receiver‟s views or tends to run contrary to his accepted beliefs, he may not respond properly.

3.8.5. MAIN CAUSES OF ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS IN COMMUNICATION

 Egocentrism is an attitudinal barrier which tends to be “self-focused” with the belief that

one‟s own ideas are more important or valuable than those of the others.

 Communication breakdowns occur primarily because the message tends to pass
judgement on the receiver. Therefore, the intended message is not received properly.

 Giving importance to the expression of opinion rather than facts and the use of offensive
or annoying expression makes the receiver become guarded and defensive thereby
stopping the communication.

Comprehending intercultural communication is necessary for understanding intercultural
communication because intercultural communication examines how people from different

cultural backgrounds attempt to communicate. And thereby, the core of cross-cultural
communication is comprehending how people from various cultures communicate with one
another and trying to establish a healthy communication based on the same.

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