Sensemaking and Relational Consequences of Peer Co-worker Deception

Abstract

This exploratory study examined sensemaking of peer co-worker deception from the perception of the deceived. A total of 58 narrative accounts of deception were collected via face-to-face interviews with 23 employed adults. Analysis revealed four primary narratives of co-worker deception: corrupt system narratives, “cover your ass” (CYA) narratives, personal gain narratives, and personality trait narratives. Perceived motives and consequences were primary considerations in the sensemaking process and employees reported changing their communication patterns to avoid deceptive co-workers or hold them more accountable for their actions. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed and suggestions for future research are posited.

Keywords:

• Deception
• Lying
• Peer Workplace Relationships
• Co-worker Relationships
• Narratives

Acknowledgements

The authors would also like to thank Mary Meares, Todd Norton, and several anonymous reviewers for their helpful feedback.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erin M. Bryant

Erin M. Bryant is a doctoral student studying interpersonal communication in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University

Patricia M. Sias

This manuscript is a revised version of her Master's thesis, conducted under the direction of Dr. Patricia M. Sias, who is a Professor of Communication at Washington State University