Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a potential barrier to communication?

1. Information overload

2. Noise/interference

3. Open-mindedness

4. Wrong medium

The correct answer is: Open-mindedness

Open-mindedness is not considered a barrier to communication; rather, it enhances effective communication. When parties involved in communication approach discussions with an open mind, they are more willing to listen, understand different perspectives, and engage constructively. This attitude fosters an environment where ideas can be exchanged freely without the hindrance of preconceived notions or biases. In contrast, information overload, noise or interference, and the wrong medium are recognized barriers that can impede effective communication. Information overload occurs when an individual is presented with too much information at once, making it difficult to process and respond appropriately. Noise or interference can refer to anything that disrupts clear communication, such as external sounds or technological issues. Lastly, using the wrong medium—like choosing an inappropriate channel for delivering the message—can lead to misunderstandings or ineffective communication, as certain messages may be better suited for specific formats (such as face-to-face vs. email).