Malfunctions of communication Introduction : We have seen that the symbols we use in our

efforts with imperfections and at best only loosely fit the reality to which they refer. As if this
sources of miscommunication were not enough. We shall see that additional malfunctions exist
in our communication effort Definition We have noted five malfunctions of communications. So
we should summaries some suggestions to overcome miscommunication in business
organization or effective communication in a proper way. So that here is one basic bit of advice
stands out keep in touch with reality If we try to communicate better .We must become better
acquainted with the real world and cheek our communications against it. Where our
communication and the real world are not in harmony then we have miscommunication. We have
seen that the symbols we use in our efforts to communicate are plagued with imperfections and
at best only loosely fit the reality to which they refer. As if these sources of miscommunication
were not enough, we shall now see that additional malfunctions exist in our communication
effort.
2. These malfunctions may be described as patterns of miscommunication that are common in
human communication effort .Others involve the logical thought patterns that are part of our
cultural heritage specifically, of the system of thinking handed down to us from past
generations. These malfunctions may be described as patterns of miscommunication that are
common in human communication efforts. Some of these patterns are products of language and
result from the language imperfections. Other involves the logical thought patterns that are parts
of our cultural heritage. Malfunctions of communication are described below: 1. Two value
thinking 2. Fact inference confusion 3. Two blocked mind 4. The static view 5. Failure to
discriminate
3. 1)Two value thinking: Two valued thinking exists when we consider only two possibilities in a
situation. The True Dichotomy Some situations may properly be either/ ors (You will pass this
course or fail) Many business examples illustrate two-valued logic(buy or not buy; invest or not
invest)
a. Two value thinking exist when we consider only two possibilities in situations.
Characteristic of two-valued thinking (a) The true dichotomy: - Some situations may be correctly
described in two-valued terms. For example- in a lifetime we either will marry not marry. We
either will be parent or will be a parent. Two-valued thinking is quite appropriate in this instance.
It fits the realities involved. Two-way situations are quite common in business. In fact , many
business reports concern two way decisions. Because in an effective business organization the
decisions are taken systematically. Example: - In a life time you either will marry or will not marry.
You either will be a partner or will not be a partner. You either will pass this course or you will fail
this course. Business example: Many business example illustrate two-valued logic Buy or not
buy. Invest or not invest. To hire or not hire. To fire or not fire.
(b) Multi valued situations :- Not all the situations involve only two values, however. In fact,
most involve many values, for most concern an infinite number of gradations between
extremes.For example, it is illogical to classify all people as either fat or skinny. True, some are
fat and some are skinny, but most are in between. Also, not all fat people are equally fat. If we
stand in a queue from the skinny to fat people, the people who is standing in the middle of The
queue is the infinite gradation or average size of people who are many in number (c) For
example : It is logically classifying all people as either fat or skinny. Some are fat and some are

skinny. But most are in between not all fat people are equally fat and not all skinny people are
equally skinny. It is the same with many other situations. Not all people are either short or tall.
The weather is not always either hot or cold. One does not run only a fast or slow. Children are
not either good or bad. Students are not intelligent or stupid. (d) The danger involved : The
danger is making two valued statement. That is they do not always fit reality. Thus they can lead
to miscommunication. Thus not to say, however, that they should be forever eliminated from our
vocabularies. Two valued statement often are appropriate devices in communication. (e) Value of
specific reference : The only possible solution to the problem of two-valued thinking is a two step
one. First, we must continually be aware of this communication difficulty. We must keep our eyes
on the reality with which we are concerned. Second we must try as hard as we can to be specific
in our choice of symbols. As the first step involves an awareness of what we have been
discussing.
c.The dangers of two-valued thinking are especially vivid in certain business communication
situations. In writing reports. For example, frequently the assigned goal is to arrive at a yes or no
decision. As we have noted, true in business , compromise decisions or other alternatives often
are possible. We can find either/or thinking in oral situations as well. For instance, a job interview
might be viewed as and either/or situation. Either the persons interviewed will be hired or they
will not. But variations between extremes often are possible. An interviewer could postpone a
decision to permit investigating references, interviewing other applicants, collecting more
information, or scheduling further interview 2) Fact-inference confusion : Communication about
our experiences is true communication it fits reality. But factual communication is not always
possible. After we must infer communicate about the unknown. Confusing inferences with fact
creates miscommunication. Characteristics of fact-inferences confusion (a) Need for inferences:
Inference is necessary for communication. We must evaluate interept, and predict. There are
inferences, inferences involves risks. To live we must calculate risk and make inferences. (b)
Effect on communication: As necessary as they are to our living, inferences are a source of
human miscommunication. The trouble is not that we make inferences; it is that all too frequently
we confuse what is fact and what is
d. inference. More specifically, we tend to make inferences from the facts we perceive, and
we tend to treat these inference as if they were facts. Thus, because we fail to see reality as it is,
we fail to communicate accurately. For example, we may see a man in the street who is
unshaved, dirty clothed and it is the reality. We may think that he is a vagabond or uncivilized but
he may be the most civilized person we ever seen. So, inference or reality is not same in every
matter. (b) Calculating the probabilities: We must calculating the probabilities of correctness of
our inferences. With adds of a thousand to one of an inference being incorrect. Think about the
one Be aware of reality and check inferences against it. Importance of business
communication fact inference confusion has many consequences for business communication.

3)The block mind: The blocked mind means is closed to reality. It considers only limited
information. A result of opinion, attitudes and beliefs. We covered one of the causes of this form

of miss communication with respect to opinions, and beliefs. Our tendency to reject ideas
approach our viewpoints is a cause of the block mind. A result of all ness:- All ness (judging
the whole by apart) contributes to the block mind. Knowing all about reality is possible. We
select parts which to communicate.
a.Concentrating on one characteristic in the belief that it is the whole produces
miscommunication. Extreme of the block mind:- A miscommunication pattern that affects us all is
that of the blocked mind. As the term implies, a blocked mind is one that is closed to reality. It
works on-limited information and ignores or rejects additional information. Thus, because it uses
only a part of the available information, its communication efforts are necessarily only only
partially correct.The blocked mind is closed to reality. It considers only limited information.
Know it.
b.All ness result from block minds. Unblocking the mind:- Unblocking the mind from the
effects of our viewpoints and our tendency to allness is no simple undertaking. Explaining how to
do it involves the most general of instructions. Nevertheless, it can be done, at least to some
extent; and if we are to improve our communication, we must try. In unblocking our minds of the
effects of our opinions, attitudes, and beliefs, we are striving to do nothing new. Since the
beginning of civilization, intelligent human beings have sought to free their thinking from the grip
of their human limitations. They have sought truth. They have striven for rational approach to
their problems. To date, however, even the best have failed miserably-and there is likely to be no
change in the foreseeable future. Thinking human beings have tried to be rational for years.
Most have not succeeded.
4) The static viewpoint:- we often view reality as static. Because reality is always changing. Such
a view causes miscommunication. Characteristics of static viewpoint
(a) The static nature of things:- Communication must reflect changes in reality. We must have
up-to inference of people and places. The reality changes. But the symbols remain the same.
(b) The contributing factor of language:- Language contributes to static thinking. Even tense,
dates, and time references do not permit language to account for all change in reality, but the
symbols remain the same.
(c) The static viewpoint in business communication: Written and oral communication in
business must reflect time changes. If they do not miscommunication will occur.
5)Failure to discriminate:- When we see similarities rather then differences in reality we
miscommunication . Language, built on broad categories forces us to view similarities.
Characteristics of failure to discriminate

(a) Miscommunication from stereo types forces up to from stereotypes. But stereo types are
not totally true they emphasize one thinks common to a group. We hold many stereotypes, but all
distort reality.
(b) Developing awareness of differences:- One way to solve the failure to discriminate
problem is to be continually aware of differences with in categories. Another way is to index
reference
(c) Discrimination failure and business communication:- We need precision is selecting
words for our letter writing business speaking tasks. Miscommunication summarized This
review of patterns of miscommunication is by no means exhaustive. At best, we have pointed out
the major communication violations that can be categorized. In terming these categories. In
summarizing the suggestions given for correcting these miscommunication patterns, one basic
bit of advice stands out: Keep in touch with reality. If we are to communicate better, we must
become better acquainted with the real world and check our communications against it. When
our communication and the real world are not in harmony, we have miscommunication.
Miscommunication from stereo types forces up to from stereotypes. But stereo types are not
totally true they emphasize one thinks common to a group. We hold many stereotypes, but all
distort reality.
(d) Developing awareness of differences:- One way to solve the failure to discriminate
problem is to be continually aware of differences with in categories. Another way is to index
reference (d) Discrimination failure and business communication:- We need precision is selecting
words for our letter writing business speaking tasks. Miscommunication summarized This
review of patterns of miscommunication is by no means exhaustive. At best, we have pointed out
the major communication violations that can be categorized. In terming these categories. In
summarizing the suggestions given for correcting these miscommunication patterns, one basic
bit of advice stands out: Keep in touch with reality. If we are to communicate better, we must
become better acquainted with the real world and check our communications against it. When
our communication and the real world are not in harmony, we have miscommunication.