The Effects of Bad Communication in Business

by Julia Forneris, Demand Media

Regardless of your company's size and number of employees, good communication is essential to productivity. Conversely, poor communication has several adverse effects, which can lead to confusion in the workplace and lost business. Allen Webster's book, "Applied Statistics for Business and Economics," identifies how crucial communication in the workplace is: "Without communication and the team effort it permits, the successful completion of any important project can be jeopardized."

Decreased Productivity

High productivity is the goal of any business, as it is the component with which employees accomplish work-related tasks. Poor communication causes a breakdown in productivity. It may be that the employer does not relate goals and duties properly, in which case the employee can't perform the task. Even if you communicate well with your employees, if they have poor communication among each other, productivity is affected. Having to go back over the original task takes away valuable time that could be devoted to other jobs.

Low Morale

When employees receive information that is poorly communicated, or they lack the ability to communicate effectively themselves, they can suffer from low morale. Not understanding the task leads to confusion, which can affect self-esteem, both of which contribute to the job either not being done or not being completed properly. Communication is a two-way street, meaning the information flows from the employer to the employee and back again. Providing an environment in which employees feel comfortable asking for clarification can increase employee confidence and communication.

Mistakes

If an employer has poor communication skills, chances are that the employee can misunderstand his expected duties. Likewise, if employees lack good communication, they are less likely to ask for needed clarification or assistance. Poor communication leads to misunderstandings, which often leads to mistakes being made on the job.
It's especially important to ensure your written communication is clear as well. The written word can be just as easily misunderstood or misconstrued as spoken directives.