Three of the following barriers to communication belong to the same g…

Three of the following barriers to communication belong to the same group. Which one belongs to a different group?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Lack of proper incentives

Option (1) Distrust — A psychological barrier. Distrust between the communicator and the receiver blocks communication. If they do not believe each other, they cannot understand each other’s message in its original sense.

Option (2) Lack of proper incentives — Not a psychological barrier. Lack of proper incentives is a personal barrier. If there is no reward or appreciation for communicating, subordinates may not take the initiative to give useful suggestions.

Option (3) Lack of attention — A psychological barrier. In lack of attention, the preoccupied mind of the receiver does not listen to the message.

Option (4) Premature evaluation — A psychological barrier. In premature evaluation, people judge the meaning of a message before the sender completes it.

Psychological barriers come from the state of mind of the sender and the receiver. Personal barriers come from the personal factors of superiors and subordinates, such as fear, lack of confidence or lack of incentives.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “…Psychological barriers: Emotional or psychological factors acts as barriers to communicators. For example, a worried person cannot communicate properly and an angry receiver cannot understand the real meaning of message. The state of mind of both sender and receiver of communication reflects in the effective communication. Some of the psychological barriers are:
(i) Premature evaluation: Some times people evaluate the meaning of message before the sender completes his message. Such premature evaluation may be due to pre-conceived notions or prejudices against the communication.
(ii) Lack of attention: The pre-occupied mind of receiver and the resultant non-listening of message acts as a major psychological barrier. …”

“(iv) Distrust: Distrust between communicator and communicate acts as a barrier. If the parties do not believe each other, they can not understand each others message in its original sense. …”

“Personal barriers: The personal factors of both sender and receiver may exert influence on effective communication. Some of the personal barriers of superiors and subordinates are mentioned below:
(i) Fear of challenge to authority: If a superior perceives that a particular communication may adversely affect his authority, he or she may withhold or suppress such communication.
(ii) Lack of confidence of superior on his subordinates: If superiors do not have confidence on the competency of their subordinates, they may not seek their advice or opinions.
(iii) Unwillingness to communicate: Sometimes, subordinates may not be prepared to communicate with their superiors, if they perceive that it may adversely affect their interests.
(iv) Lack of proper incentives: If there is no motivation or incentive for communication, subordinates may not take initiative to communicate. For example, if there is no reward or appreciation for a good suggestion, the subordinates may not be willing to offer useful suggestions.”