Communication Barriers

Some of the potential barriers that groups may encounter when communicating virtually include problems with time differences (timeliness), tone of voice (or interpretation), task assignments (coordination), identifying the problem and avoiding group conflicts.

Sometimes when people live in different time zones, it can be very difficult to assign a specific time for all members to meet such that online discussions can be held.  For example, I am in the HST but there are members in my group that are in the EST.  This is a 6 hour time difference and it can be very difficult to try and find a time that will accommodate all members.

In addition to difficulties with time zones, it can sometimes be very difficult to interpret the "tone of voice" that is being used via emails.  Many times we say one thing, but it will have a completely different meaning and/or connotation because of our tone of voice.  If the receiver does not hear the "tone of voice" via email, the actual interpretation can be completely lost; thus possibly causing conflict, misunderstandings or confusion.

Confusion or misunderstanding from an email's lost interpretation can cause conflict within the group.  This conflict can be detrimental to the group and the group ends up spending more time to trying to clear up the misunderstanding from the email than actually brainstorming to solve the initial problem.  It can also be difficult to try and even identify the actual problem that is being solved because many people may see the same problem in different ways and try to solve different aspects of the same problem.  For example, if someone asks you, "Do you like Red or Green?" You answer, "Yes".  You heard a completely different question and solved a completely different answer.  This is what can possibly occur when communicating virtually.

Task coordinating/assignments can also be very difficult to facilitate virtually.  Again, this points back to time differences as well as possibly someone...