Syllabus: Cambridge - IGCSE Business Studies
Module: 2.4 Internal and External Communication
Lesson: 2.4.2 Demonstrate an Awareness of Communication Barriers

Introduction

The Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies syllabus (0450) positions communication as a cornerstone of effective business operation. Section 2.4.2 requires students to “demonstrate an awareness of communication barriers” — a critical skill not only for exam success but also for navigating professional environments. By exploring internal and external communication challenges, students build commercial awareness and workplace readiness, two vital elements for any career path.

This topic directly supports Gatsby Benchmark 4 by linking curriculum learning with careers, and prepares students with real-world communication competencies that employers value.

Key Concepts

According to the syllabus, students are expected to understand:

• Definition of communication barriers: Anything that prevents messages from being received or understood as intended.

• Types of communication barriers:

  • Language barriers: Use of jargon or complex terms.

  • Technical barriers: Poor phone signals, email issues, or faulty IT systems.

  • Emotional barriers: Stress, mistrust, or fear inhibiting open communication.

  • Organisational barriers: Overly hierarchical structures or unclear reporting lines.

  • Cultural barriers: Differences in norms or communication styles.

• Effects of poor communication:

  • Reduced efficiency and morale.

  • Increased errors or delays.

  • Damage to customer relationships and internal trust.

• Strategies to overcome barriers:

  • Simplify language and clarify instructions.

  • Use appropriate communication methods for the audience.

  • Offer feedback mechanisms.

  • Encourage open, inclusive communication channels.

These are often taught alongside 2.4.1 (Types of Communication) for contextual understanding.

Real-World Relevance

Communication breakdowns are a leading cause of inefficiency in both small businesses and global enterprises. In 2022, a multinational retailer lost millions due to internal miscommunication during a software rollout. Staff were given outdated login procedures, causing delays across multiple regions. This real example underscores how barriers — in this case, technical and organisational — can scale rapidly if not addressed.

Closer to home, small businesses often suffer from unclear job roles or instructions, leading to duplication of tasks or missed deadlines. By understanding communication barriers, students can critically assess and solve problems they will likely face in early careers — whether in part-time jobs, apprenticeships, or future professional roles.

How It’s Assessed

In Cambridge IGCSE exams, communication barriers appear frequently in both structured and extended-response questions. Assessment focuses on:

• Command Words:

  • Identify: List types of barriers.

  • Explain: Provide causes and effects.

  • Analyse: Explore how communication barriers affect business outcomes.

  • Evaluate: Recommend ways to overcome communication issues in specific scenarios.

• Question Formats:

  • Case-study based 6–8 mark questions asking students to apply knowledge to business scenarios.

  • Scenario-based decision-making questions, e.g., “Should the business use written or verbal communication to avoid confusion?”

Mark schemes reward application — answers must reference the given context, not just general theory.

Enterprise Skills Integration

This topic naturally develops three key enterprise skills:

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Students consider how businesses can adapt communication styles or structures to solve internal challenges.

• Workplace Readiness: Learners understand how miscommunication can impact performance, teamwork, and professional reputation.

• Commercial Awareness: Recognising that communication impacts customer satisfaction, cost efficiency, and employee retention — all core elements of business value creation.

Enterprise Skills simulations from Skills Hub Futures embed this learning by placing students in decision-making roles where communication breakdowns have real consequences — from lost clients to demotivated teams.

Careers Links

Understanding communication barriers links directly to Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5 and 6:

• Benchmark 4: This topic integrates curriculum with the practical communication demands of multiple careers — from retail to healthcare and engineering.

• Benchmark 5: Employer encounters (via Skills Hub Futures) show students how communication challenges arise in real workplaces, including examples from banking, logistics, and hospitality.

• Benchmark 6: Simulated workplace tasks (e.g. handling a customer complaint) mimic first-hand experiences of resolving communication issues.

Relevant careers include:

• Human Resources

• Customer Service

• Management Consultancy

• Health and Social Care

• Marketing and Public Relations

Teaching Notes

Tips for Effective Delivery:

• Start with a relatable discussion: “What stops people from understanding each other?”

• Use role-play to simulate barriers (e.g. giving instructions while others wear noise-cancelling headphones).

• Show clips of workplace interactions gone wrong and analyse what caused the barrier.

Common Pitfalls:

• Students often list barriers without explaining their impact. Emphasise consequence-based thinking.

• Learners sometimes assume only technology causes problems. Encourage them to explore emotional and cultural dimensions.

Suggested Activities:

• Use Skills Hub Business simulations to recreate workplace scenarios.

• Create a barrier audit: students assess real communication flows in school and identify improvements.

• Encourage peer feedback on written communication exercises to develop clarity and tone awareness.

Extension Opportunity:

• Link with English curriculum: ask students to redraft unclear messages for different audiences (e.g. peer vs. manager).

• Integrate with PSHE by exploring how miscommunication affects relationships and wellbeing.