ABSTRACT
It is important that in this exchange workers respect the values and beliefs of others as far as is consistent with their professional authority and function. Meanings must be carefully checked, and in each exchange, care needs to be taken to be aware of, and reduce, the blocks to communication that can come from the many differences between individuals, such as authority and power, language, ability and disability, personality, background, gender, health, age, race, class. Other barriers may impede communication, such as environment, the pressure of limited available
time, the involvement of other people, the physical environment or interruptions. Genuine communication is only achieved if the barriers are considered and worked through or removed.
