Barriers To Effective Communication

Abstract

In any discussion on the failure of communication, the writer usually bears the burden of criticism. But when writers have an opportunity to discuss problems of communication among themselves, one hears of uncoordinated material handed to them, unrealistic deadlines, and poor supervising personnel. Barriers to elective technical communication apply to prepar ation, language, time and dis tance, and the human element. Many professional communicat ors feel that there should be more company indoctrination of new writers and constant re training of older writers. The human element is still most im portant in communications. A professional writer will be bet ter trained if he acquires some knowledge of the psychology of communication and of motiva tion, and if he works for a large corporation he is in an essential way integrated into the scheme of things.

The Communication Habits of Engineers: A Study of How Compositional Style and Time Affect the Production of Oral and Written Communication of Engineers

“…The research into the effect deadlines have on the composition of technical writing artifacts, as shown by McIssac and Aschauer [18], Kent-Drury [19], and Gould [20], illustrate that focused attention and a sound plan needs to be a part of the process. Engineers must pull together information from other departments and disciplines (who each have their own jargon) and compile it appropriately.…”

The Effects of Integrating On-Going Training for Technical Documentation Teams

“…This study greatly emphasizes the importance of training and development for work teams. However, technical writers have little time or opportunity to sharpen or develop their skills [5]. Grice and Krull suggest organizations support technical writers in learning new software tools with time and overhead cost dedicated to training and education [2].…”

“…Technical communicators in the list serve discussion propose technical publication managers advocate on behalf of their documentation teams to communicate with and educate their direct managers on professional growth and the need to stay current [1]. Gould suggests that organizations employ in-house training programs, such as systematic training seminars, are a good approach to the problem [5].…”

“…In an effort to increase organizational awareness, technical publication managers must lead the endeavor to educate engineers, as well as other middle-and upper-level managers about the role of the documentation team. Technical publication managers must in turn value their team by demonstrating support via open communication, incentives, recognition, and most importantly on-going training [1,2,5].…”