Which is a common barrier to effective communication within a team?

Unclear objectives serve as a significant barrier to effective communication within a team because they create confusion about the team’s direction and goals. When team members do not have a clear understanding of what is expected of them or the purpose of their collaboration, it can lead to misinterpretations, duplicated efforts, and decreased morale. Without clearly defined objectives, members may not align their individual tasks with the overall mission, resulting in inefficiency and frustration.

In contrast, having formal training, access to resources, and team outings, while beneficial in various ways, do not fundamentally obstruct communication as unclear objectives do. Access to resources can support communication efforts, and formal training can enhance skills related to communication. Team outings may even foster better relationships among members, which can improve communication. However, if objectives are vague or poorly communicated, even the most skilled teams may struggle to collaborate effectively.