Obstacles To Good Communication
1. List the major obstacles to good communication in the day to day work of a police agency, and detail the major strategies you would use to overcome those obstacles.
People fail to effectively communicate with each other all the time, even when speaking face to face. An idea that an individual wants to express may sound perfectly normal, just, and understandable in their head. However, when left up to interpretation someone else may comprehend what is trying to be expressed completely differently.
There are several major obstacles in providing effective and good communication within the day to day operations of a police agency, to include inferences, when a meaning is attached to a message that the message giver never intended. …show more content…
For one, nothing should ever be assumed. Always ask for clarity if the specific intent of the message is not spelled out. New hires should be made aware of common communication obstacles and how not to get caught up in communication breakdowns. In large departments it may be a wise idea to have annual communication workshops, just to keep everyone communicating effectively together.
3. Explain the difference between one way and two way communication. Give an example of each.
One-way communication is hierarchical and lacks the essential feedback that tells the sender that their message has been understood in the way they desire. Orders getting sent down a line could get lost if there is no feedback. Feedback is what makes management aware of problems in the communication process. For example, there could be a general order issued for checking certain businesses at night. A Sargent would then detail this duty to officers in the area for the times specified. However, the administrator would have no idea what action is being taken if there is no feedback. In this instance the administrator at least needs to know if the message was clear, what if any action took place as a result of the message, and if modifications should be made to any action or inaction as a result of the
People fail to effectively communicate with each other all the time, even when speaking face to face. An idea that an individual wants to express may sound perfectly normal, just, and understandable in their head. However, when left up to interpretation someone else may comprehend what is trying to be expressed completely differently.
There are several major obstacles in providing effective and good communication within the day to day operations of a police agency, to include inferences, when a meaning is attached to a message that the message giver never intended. …show more content…
For one, nothing should ever be assumed. Always ask for clarity if the specific intent of the message is not spelled out. New hires should be made aware of common communication obstacles and how not to get caught up in communication breakdowns. In large departments it may be a wise idea to have annual communication workshops, just to keep everyone communicating effectively together.
3. Explain the difference between one way and two way communication. Give an example of each.
One-way communication is hierarchical and lacks the essential feedback that tells the sender that their message has been understood in the way they desire. Orders getting sent down a line could get lost if there is no feedback. Feedback is what makes management aware of problems in the communication process. For example, there could be a general order issued for checking certain businesses at night. A Sargent would then detail this duty to officers in the area for the times specified. However, the administrator would have no idea what action is being taken if there is no feedback. In this instance the administrator at least needs to know if the message was clear, what if any action took place as a result of the message, and if modifications should be made to any action or inaction as a result of the