James is a top salesperson at Perodua. Meanwhile, Chong is a prospect looking for the best car for his family of five. 

a.  James is having difficulties in explaining suitable car for Chong. Investigate barriers to communication that might exist and suggest how James can solve the problems. (15 marks)

• Chong providing less information.
• Cultural differences.
• Use of wrong communication channel.

Step-by-step explanation

• The first barrier to effective communication between James and Chong is that the prospect has given James too little information for him to be advised on the best car for his family. Other relevant details like the budget he has for the car will be useful in assisting James to come up with a suitable car that will favor Chong after she narrows down the information given. To solve this barrier, James needs to seek more information from the prospect including the engine size range, make, and other useful information as it would go a long way to help him come up with good advice that will not misguide the prospect.
• The cultural difference between James and Chong his prospect is as well a potential barrier to effective communication. Things like the way they greet each other to how they interact may be different and result in a communication barrier to make their conversation ineffective. To get over this challenge, Chong and James should find common grounds that will make them understand one another for the solution to the matter to be easily found. James can come up with what suits him that aligns well with Chong`s culture that will interest him so that they can get to close the deal as soon as possible and in the process be a win-win situation making Chong get what he wants and James make a sale.
• The channel of communication is as well important in making the communication effective. When the two parties use the wrong medium for passing information may be a barrier as either one party may not be conversant with how to operate it and making them fail to get the basics in the deal. To solve this, James should come up with the simplest form of communication that will not inconvenience the prospect and the most recommended one is the use of word of mouth. By setting an appointment, it will help James remove all the distractions and get to advise Chong on exactly what he needs to get the best family car he seeks.