When is a lie acceptable? Work and private life lying acceptance depends on its beneficiary

J Soc Psychol. 2018;158(2):220-235. doi: 10.1080/00224545.2017.1327404. Epub 2017 Aug 14.

Abstract

In this article we show that when analyzing attitude towards lying in a cross-cultural setting, both the beneficiary of the lie (self vs other) and the context (private life vs. professional domain) should be considered. In a study conducted in Estonia, Ireland, Mexico, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden (N = 1345), in which participants evaluated stories presenting various types of lies, we found usefulness of relying on the dimensions. Results showed that in the joint sample the most acceptable were other-oriented lies concerning private life, then other-oriented lies in the professional domain, followed by egoistic lies in the professional domain; and the least acceptance was shown for egoistic lies regarding one's private life. We found a negative correlation between acceptance of a behavior and the evaluation of its deceitfulness.

Keywords: Cross-cultural; egoistic lies; lying acceptance; other-oriented lies; work and private life.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Deception*
  • Employment / psychology*
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Social Perception*