Deceptive Communication in the Workplace: An Examination of Beliefs About Verbal and Paraverbal Cues

Author(s): Christian L. Hart, Derek Fillmore, James Griffith

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65030/idr.08018

Abstract: Lies and other forms of deception in the workplace exact a tremendous financial toll on companies and organizations around the world. In this study, 240 employees from numerous businesses and municipal organizations completed a survey in which they indicated the degree to which they believed various aspects of communication change when people lie in the workplace. In support of the hypothesis, the employees held incorrect beliefs about fifteen of the eighteen verbal and paraverbal communication cues that were examined, suggesting that most employees may lack the information necessary to detect liars. The implications of these finding are discussed. 

Keywords: Deception; Workplace communication; Employee attitudes; Lie detection; Verbal behavior; Nonverbal behavior; Organizational psychology

Pages: 176-183

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