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Contemporary Communication Challenges
Andrew Fields
Rhetorical Strategies for Technical Communication – 61286
Carol Dietrich
DeVry University
27\07\2022
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Inconsistency of communication
In any inconsistent message, various components denote different contradictory
referents, thus, making the information provided by different components relying on a
consistent message redundant. Communication inconsistency also brings significant
disruptions to the communication process. These inconsistencies in communication are not
inevitable. Therefore, to effectively communicate, an individual must practice being an active
listener, avoid any form of emotionally driven talks, develop different communication norms,
create safe communication spaces, etc. This paper explores inconsistencies in
communication, especially in an organization set up, its causes, and its effect. It then
concludes by elaborating on the best ways people can adopt to avoid inconsistencies in
communication.
Consistency refers to the conformity one has in applying something, especially that
which is crucial for fairness, logic, or accuracy. Lacking this consistency becomes hugely
detrimental to the communication process, thus, leaving most people confused, alienated, and
sometimes frustrated (Edwards & Fredriksson, 2018). This situation is not what an individual
might want in their teams. Are you an individual, or is your colleague a person that gives
mixed and confusing messages? Do you inadvertently or deliberately give different messages
to different individuals? If so, high chances are that you might be suffering from a
communication problem known as inconsistency.
In almost all organizations, key communication begins from the top managing body
and trickles down to other subordinate staff. During this channel, the information goes
through different people; thus, it gets slightly contradicted from the initial information
relayed. In most cases, the success of this information reaching every person intended relies
on grapevines to ensure that everyone receives the word. Therefore, to avoid any
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inconsistency, clarity is paramount. Whenever clarity is not handled accordingly, most people
end up assuming meanings and thus, rely on incorrect pieces of information.
Causes of the inconsistency of communication (in an organization)
There are various reasons why inconsistency in communication might happen. Some
of these reasons are as minimal as wrong wordings or timing, while others are significant and
reasonable. Some of the major causes of inconsistent communication include; distance/gap,
emotional factors, cultural differences, power and hierarchy, ignorance, and biasness, among
others. Whenever a communication channel counters any of these barriers, communication is
likely to get distorted.
Power and Hierarchy. This factor is a significant cause of inconsistencies experienced
during communication processes. In many organizations, these dynamics often apply, thus,
frequent inconsistencies. This issue happens because of the existence of two distinct
categories of people who hardly have a tit-a-tat conversation in the workplace (Wagner &
Pease, 2020). Instead, they rely on the various intermediate, which can always distort the real
message intended to be shared. Emotional factors also play a huge role in the success of
conveying information. People tend to filter parts of information depending on what they
feel. Whenever this happens, there are high chances of leaving out the crucial part of the
intended information, thus leaving people with half-information.
Ignorance and biasness are also key causes of inconsistencies in communication.
However, just because someone is ignorant does not make them horrible humans. In most
cases, biasness and ignorance go hand in hand. Although, they can also happen
independently. Sometimes, individuals are ignorant about a topic without even noticing.
These people often stand on what they believe in and convey the same message to others,
thus, filling their minds with wrong information. At the same time, another person might be
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aware of the topic but be biased in telling others the exact thing. This situation leaves people
with contradicting pieces of information, thus, creating inconsistencies.
Effects of communication inconsistency
Inconsistent communication is dangerous for the general operations within an
organization. In most cases, these inconsistencies lead to misunderstandings as people are
torn between what is accurate and wrong. This effect is also the most common consequence
of inconsistent communication. Whenever a misunderstanding happens, other subsequent
effects are likely to follow. These subsequent effects may include conflicts, breakdown of
team morale and relationships, emotional damage, and inability to achieve success, among
other negative effects.
Ways to manage communication inconsistencies
Effective communication depends on various factors that call on teamwork and
reliability. Information starts getting distorted once it is disbursed to different people.
Therefore, to effectively communicate with everyone within an organization, it is best if the
organization adopts a single communication channel accessible to everyone. This might be
through a portal or the old-school use of notice boards. When an organization decides on this
option, it should be mandatory that everyone gets the original information through an email
or memo (Wagner & Pease, 2020). Doing this prevents individuals from relying on wrong
information from other colleagues or speculations concerning a topic. Any individual needing
clarification should also be directed to a specific individual employed to convey the
organization's information. Doing this can ensure that everyone gets the raw information,
thus, avoiding inconsistencies.
Organizations should also create safe spaces for their employees to communicate.
Whenever a junior employee needs some clarification from the top management, there should
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be ways to make this possible. When this is availed, most people are likely to get encouraged
to seek the correct data, thus, preventing them from relying on assumptions. Doing this also
creates a great working relationship which leads to the massive success of an organization.
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References
Edwards, L., & Fredriksson, M. (2018). Inconsistency and communication in
organizations. Management Communication Quarterly, 31(3), 467-472.
Wagner, H., & Pease, K. (2020). The verbal communication of inconsistency between
attitudes held and attitudes expressed. Journal of Personality.
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