Effective Management Through Language Communication In An Organization
[A STUDY OF DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC, OGWASHI-UKU]

Robbins defines filtering as: “A sender’s manipulation of information so that it will be seen more favourably by the receiver” (297).From this definition, we can clearly see that filtering occurs when the sender sieves the information and transmits only the good aspects of it. Elaborating on this, Imhabekhai and Oyitso assert: “When the whole picture is not presented, there can scarcely be a meeting of the minds” (84).
Quite often, people sieve information in order to look favourable before their superior. For example, when the Head of Department tells his Dean what he feels his Dean wants to hear, he is filtering information already and there are bound to be problems.
Information Overload
When the information we have to work with exceeds our processing capacity, the result is information overload. Imhabekhai and Oyitso further explain: “Overloading occurs
when too much information is passed at the same time.    This bugs down the entire system” (84).
Furthermore, James et al are of the view that:
Overloading often leads to reduced efficiency as the worker becomes forgetful, disorganized and ineffective. In some cases, they even become irritable, careless and rude (41).
The question that comes to mind at this juncture is: What happens when individuals have more information than they can sort out and use? Responding to the above question, Robbins states:
They tend to select out, ignore, pass over or forget information, or they may put off further processing until the overload situation is over. Regardless, the result is lost information and less effective communication (297).
Noise
Noise is a technical term for all forms of obstacles which conspire to reduce the fidelity of communication. In other words, noise reduces the amount of information which is sent between those who are communicating. Expatiating on this, James et al (10 – 1) highlight the under listed noise types.
Physical Noise
This includes loud sounds from radio sets, markets in full session, loud conversation, sounds from work men’s tools or from moving vehicles.
Psychological Noise
This includes poor mental attitude, depression, fatigue or other mental and emotional disabilities.
Linguistic Noise
This relates to one’s inability to use the language of communication. Linguistic noise therefore falls into three categories:
Semantic, which may occur as a result of the wrong choice of words or the use of words with unfamiliar meaning.
Grammatical, which is manifested in the form of faulty sentence construction, misapplication of rules of language or misuse of punctuation marks.
Phonological, which manifests itself in poor pronunciation, e.g uttering the word “pile” when “file” is meant.
Rumour
Arhagba defines rumour as: “The unofficial and unconfirmed information whose origin is difficult to trace” (64). Elaborating on the above, James et al are of the opinion that rumour: “creates communication problems” (42). They further highlight that:
Rumour recreates actual or imagined events by adding to or subtracting from what actually obtains
… Rumour breeds negative results and strains relationship. It ruins workers’ reputations and lowers morale (42).
Imhabekhai and Oyitso (84 – 6) list other barriers to include the under listed.
Routing
It is essential that all information be properly sent to the right people who are expected to benefit from them. When a person receives a mail which has no meaning or significance to him, he gets infuriated. The timing of information can equally cause communication gap in the   organization. Information should be current. Sending information when it has already gone out through the grapevine, diluted or distorted is very injurious to an organization’s image.   Employees like to know what goes on in the organization and as such prefer to get authentic information from Management.
Physical Environment
This can reduce or pervert the sending and receiving of messages. Such physical interference include distance, distracting noise and breakdown or elimination of communication media such as telephones and inter-office memoranda.
Lack of Feedback
A highly hierarchical organizational structure system adopts a pyramidal communication system and therefore makes it difficult to have immediate feedback to a message sent through the chains of command. Lack of adequate feedback is in itself a barrier to harmonious relationship as the source might be unable to adjust further communication with his receiver.