Question

List and describe at least 5 different dangers / disadvantages of ineffective communication for any organization.

Answer 1

While positive communication may be more challenging, allowing ineffective communication will only deter the progress of a business and will more likely result in less productivity and a decrease in employee morale and engagement.

The creation of uncertainty

Companies go into developing communications strategy in order to reduce uncertainties, stress and conflicts. However, poor and ineffective communication could lead to employees uncertain of their roles and value to the company. For example, if a manager fails to keep his staff members in the loop regarding new company policies, employees may tend to break rules without intending to or miss out on benefits that are due them.

A conflict on the designation of resources

Majority of companies will have limited resources, such as budgets, and even office equipment and supplies. If communication is poor and ineffective, resources may go to departments and individuals who don’t need them, leaving those who do need them without the things that they need. For example, the sales department might need a new photocopying machine because their previous one broke down. The equipment that they requested for goes to the HR department which already has more than enough machines.

Lack of collaboration and poor teamwork

If communication in the workplace is poor and ineffective, staff members are less likely inclined to collaborate with each other. This then results in poor teamwork and potentially, even friction amongst employees. This would be extremely unfortunate as the core of any organization is the people who work there.

Gossiping and friction

Poor and ineffective communication can result in gossiping and rumours, which then results in tension and friction in the workplace. Should management fail to address issues such as these, developing communications strategy would be a pointless exercise as harmonious working relationships are non-existent.
Gossiping and rumors builds animosity amongst team members and colleagues.

Miscommunication on deadlines and work processes

Poor and ineffective communication can stifle and put a halt to work processes. When people don’t know what to do, they may end up doing things that were not required of them. For example, a person may think that he is in charge of finishing a particular graph, while all along, the said task was already given to someone else.