ABSTRACT
Falsehood undermines trust, a key element of any value system. This chapter explores how all manner of lies are told at the workplace with a range of consequences damaging credibility across platforms. Social media accelerates the number of falsehoods in our everyday environs, with research showing that lies travel farther and are embraced by more people than the truth, especially when it comes to politics and fake news. Just as there are many levels and shades of truth, so are there many types of lies, including white lies, half-truths, exaggerations and outright falsehoods. Those are chronicled here. Quote-making, a common practice in public relations, may fall into the falsehood category if not done ethically. Photographs also lie, and those are analyzed along with three categories of images—documentary, portraiture and illustration—which, if displayed improperly, also convey falsehood. Some government lies are questionable because of national security concerns, but others are outright propaganda. Examples are provided. The chapter ends with personal and communal exercises documenting how many lies you typically tell with a challenge to predict consequences to yourself and others.
