Use of white lies to preserve workplace harmony in a Chinese collectivistic culture.

Abstract

This study examines whether white lies possess three basic functions, namely self-serving, other-benefitting and social desirability, in preserving workplace harmony in a Chinese Collectivistic culture. Face concerns of both the self and others are also noted to examine their roles in influencing the use of white lies. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted on fourteen women and five men (mean age = 23.58), mainly Chinese, of various occupational backgrounds in Singapore. Findings confirmed that the three functions did co-exist in white lies to preserve workplace harmony. In addition, findings supported that the concern for other-face, but not the concern for self-face, did play a role in influencing the use of white lies. Underlying motives for using white lies were also discussed.