Motivation behind Lying and Psychological Dimensions of Culture as the Basis of Intercultural Differences of Lying Acceptability

The aim of this paper is to show that cross-cultural differences in the acceptance of lying depend mostly on the motivation that lies beneath lying. Cultural dimensions may explain which cultures will demonstrate higher acceptance of lying basing on specific motivation to lie. The article concentrates firstly on the definition of deception, stating which aspects of the definition of deception will be more culturally sensitive. Differences in motivation to lie are being discussed focusing on the collectivistic – individualistic dimension. In collectivist cultures people are prone to lie for the group benefit, while in individualistic cultures they may be motivated to lie to protect one’s privacy. Other crucial issues discussed in the paper are the stereotypes concerning liars and cues to deception. They may influence perceived veracity of the interlocutor. The article discusses also future research perspectives on the cross-cultural differences in the acceptance of lying.