The Effects of Goal Disclosure on Deceptive Behaviors.

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of goal disclosure on deceptive behaviors, along with the underlying psychological mechanisms and moderating factors. The experiment employed a between-subjects design with one independent variable (goal disclosure: public vs. private). Participants completed a matrix task in the formal experiment, which was employed as a paradigm to objectively measure deceptive behaviors without notice of the participants. The findings indicate that when people share their goals with others, they are more likely to engage in deceptive behaviors than when they keep their goals private. This effect is mediated by goal commitment and moderated by moral identity. These results suggest that allowing employees to set goals privately may help mitigate ethical risks.