Conflict and Noise: The Sound and Silence of Noise in Communication

We have often encountered numerous articles or books discussing the importance of communication in our lives. Communication shapes our relationships and plays a significant role in our overall existence. Therefore, understanding how the communication process operates and how we can establish healthy communication is critically important. In our previous article titled “Making Communication Solution-Focused & Active Listening in Conflict Resolution,” we thoroughly examined the elements of the communication process. To summarize, communication consists of the transmission of a message from a sender to a receiver through a specific channel, followed by the receiver filtering the message and providing feedback to the sender. Any factor that disrupts this cycle is referred to as noise. In this article, we will take a closer look at the concept of noise.

When we think of noise, we typically envision loud sounds, chaotic environments, or disturbing hums. According to the Turkish Language Institution, noise is defined as the entirety of irregular sounds that lack harmony. However, does noise manifest solely through sound? In other words, do only loud and discordant sounds obstruct the communication cycle? For instance, the construction noise from outside is a fundamental noise for two people speaking in a room; this sound disrupts the communication cycle, and we can easily identify it. On the other hand, a lack of response from the person we are speaking to or their continuous silence is also a form of noise. Similarly, missing pages in a book can be a source of noise. In this case, where the book is the sender and we are the receiver, faded text prevents the message from being conveyed correctly. In summary, noise can manifest in both sound and silence. What makes something noise is its ability to hinder the communication cycle.

Types of Noise

As mentioned, noise can present itself in various forms, and we can categorize it under specific headings. Various types of noise have been discussed by communication experts working in this field. A quick review of the literature reveals different types of noise such as physical noise, semantic noise, psychological noise, cultural noise, and individual noise. In this article, we will focus on three distinct types of noise that can be fundamental to understanding the communication process and the concept of noise from the perspective of conflict resolution:

Physical Noise: This refers to barriers arising from environmental factors during the communication process. Such noise includes external sounds and elements that complicate the transmission and perception of the spoken message. For example, conversations occurring at a construction site or in a crowded café, background music, or other conversations are examples of physical noise. Additionally, technical issues like a faulty phone line or weak internet connection fall under this category. Moreover, the temperature of the environment in which we communicate (whether too hot or too cold) can also be a noise that complicates communication. Physical noise can obstruct the accurate understanding of a message by distracting attention and leading to incomplete or incorrect interpretations of the conveyed information. This situation is likely to result in superficial conflicts stemming from communication deficiencies.

Psychological Noise: This refers to communication barriers arising from individuals’ internal states. Such noise originates from a person's emotional or cognitive condition and can significantly affect communication. For instance, personal worries or anxieties can hinder effective message exchange during stressful situations. Furthermore, experiencing intense emotions can also negatively impact communication. Being extremely happy or angry may provoke emotional responses during conversations, which constitutes a form of noise. Individuals experiencing high emotional intensity may not be able to evaluate what is being said objectively. Psychological noise can lead to misunderstandings and prevent effective message exchange, ultimately resulting in conflicts between parties.

Social Noise: This refers to communication barriers arising from societal and cultural factors. Such noise can influence social interactions and communication processes among individuals. Examples of social noise include cultural differences, language barriers, and different social norms and stereotypes. Approaching communication with preconceived notions or prejudiced perspectives can create significant obstacles to healthy and effective dialogue. These approaches generate social noise in the communication process, making it difficult for messages to be conveyed clearly and understandably. Prejudices can lead to misunderstandings, defensive reactions, and even conflicts on both sides of the conversation. Preconceived notions in an individual's mind can obstruct their understanding of the true intentions, thoughts, and emotions of others, thus diminishing the quality of communication. As a result, establishing effective and healthy communication requires adopting an open and empathetic approach, free from prejudices.

As we strive to understand the role of noise in conflict processes, our goal should be to accurately identify the barriers in communication—that is, the noises within the communication cycle. The "noises" that can be categorized as communication barriers can play a significant role in the emergence of conflicts or the escalation of existing conflicts. Therefore, identifying and seeking ways to address these noises is key not only to effective communication but also to effective conflict resolution.

Just as understanding the sources that fuel conflict involves analyzing it by categorizing its types, the same approach applies to recognizing the barriers to communication, or noises, by classifying them according to their forms and structures. For example, dealing with physical noise may generally be easier, as the steps to take are clearer. However, in an environment that generates social noise, such as prejudice, more prolonged, transformative, and theme-promoting steps may be required. Therefore, accurately identifying and understanding the noises encountered in the communication process is critical for enhancing communication effectiveness and facilitating conflict resolution.

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Tunç KaraçayConflictus

Conflict Resolution Training and Consultancy

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References

Watzlawick, P., Beavin Bavelas, J., & Jackson, D. D. (1967). Pragmatics of Human Communication: A Study of Interactional Patterns, Pathologies, and Paradoxes. New York: Norton & Company.Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press.