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CS Professional · Arbitration, Mediation and Conciliation · Negotiation Skills and Communication

In a commercial dispute mediation, Mr. Iyer, a supplier's representative, keeps checking his phone and glancing at the clock while the buyer's representative explains her concerns. The buyer's representative stops sharing details and becomes guarded. Which communication barrier is chiefly illustrated?

The chief barrier is poor listening and inattentiveness conveyed by non-verbal behaviour. Checking the phone and clock shows disinterest, so the speaker withdraws and becomes guarded. The facts show no jargon, physical distance or language difference, so semantic, physical or cultural barriers do not apply.

  1. ASemantic barrier arising from technical jargon
  2. BPoor listening and inattentiveness shown through non-verbal behaviourCorrect
  3. CPhysical barrier caused by distance between the parties
  4. DCultural barrier arising from different languages

Explanation

The supplier's representative shows disinterest through body language and distraction, which signals he is not listening. This discourages the speaker from disclosing information. No jargon, distance or language difference is present in the facts.

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