UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Organisational barriers are linked to the structure and rules of an institution. When messages pass through many levels of hierarchy,they may be delayed,distorted or filtered. The stem describes exactly this situation,so the barrier is organisational.

Option A:
Semantic barriers occur when the meaning of words is unclear,which is different from distortion caused by multiple levels of authority.

Option B:
Physical barriers involve distance or environmental obstacles,not the number of hierarchical layers.

Option C:
Psychological barriers are internal to individuals,such as fear or prejudice,and do not directly explain the structural delay described.

Option D:
Organisational barriers remind administrators that excessive hierarchy can reduce communication efficiency,making option D correct.

Formal communication consists of messages that move along established hierarchical channels using recognised formats such as circulars,office orders and official emails. The stem emphasises strict adherence to prescribed routes and formats,which is the defining feature of formal communication. Therefore formal correctly completes the statement.

Option A:
Formal messages are often documented and can be used for accountability and record keeping. They reflect the official authority of the institution,rather than personal relationships,which aligns with the description.

Option B:
Informal communication arises spontaneously through social interactions and is not bound by official routes or formats,so it does not fit the stem.

Option C:
Grapevine refers specifically to unofficial,rumour based communication networks and is the opposite of strictly prescribed flows.

Option D:
Diagonal communication describes direction across levels and departments and can be either formal or informal; it is not defined solely by adherence to official routes.