CULTURAL-DIFFERENCES IN DECEPTION - MOTIVATIONS TO DECEIVE IN SAMOANS AND NORTH AMERICANS

The present study examined variance in motivations for deception arising from cultural differences inherent in collectivistic and individualistic cultures. Data collected in North America and American Samoa showed that the more collectivistic Samoan participants indicated they would be more likely to attempt to deceive another when the deception was related to group or family concerns. In addition, Samoans were much more likely to attempt deception for authority-based concerns. U.S. Americans indicated they would be more likely to lie to protect their privacy or to protect the feelings of the target person. Other possible culture-based differences were noted. Suggestions for future research concerns were discussed.