Being responsible and assertive in teams in the workplace

Once again I am focussing on the team and how individuals need to develop a type of understanding as individuals and as a group of what it means to be responsible in a group and what it is to be assertive...not necessarily aggressive or defensive.In our
industry...construction and spraypainting/blasting industry there tends to be little status given to communication skills,learning new ways of communicating and trying different ways of relating that dont tend to the bullying or the other extreme the totally psychotic,charming but dont give a shit end of things.Why aren't we open to new ways of treating and communicating with each other?I have a few theories.

One of the most important things in any organisation is trust.This of course is built up from past experiences of mutual respect,dialogue,consistent behaviour and by being valued amongst other things.When such an environment is not present all sorts of ir,safety and discipline issues can develop.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2006/1593557.htm

Some of the things that get in the way is our industries macho attitude to looking at communication issues in the workplace.What we fail to appreciate is the mental health,IR,safety,and productivity costs in having unco-operative teams and bad management/supervisory skills.

Expectaions are not always made clear to employees and in turn with each other.Not having long term crews and allowing enough time to set a priority on clarifying such things takes its tolls.
http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au/institute/level2/course25/lecture110/l110_02.asp
What are some of the other communication issues we need to confront in the workplace?