Several forms of "noise" can disrupt workplace communications. In this context, noise can be used in a literal, physical sense or as a technical term in communication theory meaning anything that interferes with transmission or communication of a signal.
On a simple physical level, noise can disrupt or limit effective communication. Loud music, heavy machinery, or extraneous noises can make it impossible to hear what other people are saying or make it hard to concentrate. This is often considered a significant downside to open office plans.
Psychological noise includes the mental baggage we bring into communications, such as racial or gender stereotyping and our own preconceptions, that may get in the way of our paying attention to what other people are trying to communicate.
Physiological noise includes issues such a pain, thirst, hunger, alcohol consumption, or sleep deprivation that may serve to distract us from focusing on the message the sender is communicating.
No comments:
Post a Comment