Describe the factors that influence the effectiveness of interpersonal communication Interpersonal communication This process of sharing ideas and feelings between individuals. This can be improved through appropriate knowledge practices, feedback and reflection. Cultural influence Culture is referred to as customs, language, arts of a particular region. It includes learned values, beliefs and behaviors common to a group of individuals. Culture can be strong barrier to interpersonal communication between people of different cultures. Individuals from different cultures or background often carry an attitude that their own culture is superior to that of others. This hampers communication between groups from different cultures. For example: an individual who is ethnocentric in nature often is under the impression that anyone who doesn’t belong to their group is either strange or inferior. This perception prevents healthy social and political communication between the two parties. Power This is the ability to influence others and have strong self control under complex circumstances. All interpersonal communication or interactions reflect some form of power which maybe obvious or hidden. Obvious power refers to people who occupy a higher position in business and have to communicate with other employees. People in power positions may exert their power on individuals who are not equally competent and this inequality could act as a barrier to effective communication. Noise This is an external factor which interferes with or disrupts communication by causing a divergence between the receiver and the communicator. For example: physical noise like running motors may cause one not to hear what the other party is saying hence a breakdown in communication. Technology Electronic mail, most commonly referred to as email is becoming the most popular medium for interpersonal comm.