HUMAN beings have many shortcomings. No human being is perfect- all are fallible, some to a lesser degree and some go too high. Of all the qualities of human beings-negative or positive, truth and lies characterize the most distinguished traits of a person. Honesty in dealing with other people in day-to-affairs symbolizes the way he/she conducts himself/herself while engaging with friends, relatives and people in general. This is a unique quality (particularly in present times) as what you see and experience these days is mostly lies which unfortunately, have become a social norm. People are not ashamed while telling lies but on the contrary they feel happy and enjoy, dealing with a person of character, honest, truthful and loyal.
Little do they realize that the honest and truthful person is devastated, broken-hearted, shattered and hopeless after what has been done to him/her. While truth and honesty are the inbuilt qualities of a true Muslim, lies and cheating are the inbuilt traits of devil. In Islam, telling lies is not only strictly prohibited but liars have been condemned by ALLAH and our Prophet(PBUH) at several places in Quran and Hadith and it has been clearly mentioned that Liars abode is Hell, where they will be thrown on the day of judgment. A question arises in mind why people, in spite of knowing the reality of day of judgement, indulge in telling and propagating lies, thrive, enjoy and feel happy even after doing something which is immoral and unethical.
Lying permeates everything. Once people start lying, they will do anything to deceive others to get their way. Lying is really no different from stealing. More often than not it is used to get something they didn’t have. It is so common in business that it is often believed to be a proper strategy to get ahead. As an example, Wood and colleagues indicate that 40 to 70% of individuals lie on their resumes. It is hard to imagine that friends will make untruthful statements with the intent to gain something, but they do it all the time. The reality is that it happens more often than most people realize. This in itself is a very sad commentary on our American way of life. And yet, until you have taken the time to reflect on the damage that people do when they tell lies, you will not understand the tragic consequences of untruthful statements.
The significance of making untruthful statements cannot be over stressed. Intentionally conveying a false message is a lie, however fanciful he/she may want to think about it. Although believed to be quite apart from “real” problems, lying may be considered an illegal act when done in a business setting. St. Augustine said, “…it is certain that every lie is a sin…”. In part, these statements are founded on the harm that lying causes. Seldom are liars concerned with the well-being of others. Regardless of the reason for lying, it is wrong. Lying is similar but worse than cheating on a test or taxes. Yet, clearly liars and cheaters are untrustworthy. Their behaviour is unethical. Whether it is lying about a colleague or deceiving a spouse, it is still a lie. In fact, Adler concluded that some 60% of workers felt more pressure now than five years ago to do something unethical or illegal. Remember, once they start lying, they are likely to do it again if given the chance.
Unethical behaviour, such as lying and backstabbing, is pervasive in all work environments. Those who engage in it often justify their actions by blaming others. Once someone is known to be dishonest, they will likely lie again for personal gain. Similarly, athletes who cheat believe winning at all costs is acceptable. Lies thrive in social uncertainty, where norms are unclear. Many liars believe their deception, which benefits them at others’ expense, is justified. However, lying is deviant and unethical. Liars often face consequences such as shame, guilt, or job termination. Lying damages personal relationships and causes stress. Habitual liars may even start believing their own falsehoods, causing inner turmoil. A friendly, honest work environment benefits everyone and enhances business profitability. Lying is a deliberate assault on others, causing immense harm, and is never justifiable.
Often times, liars internalize their lying to the point that they begin to believe the lie is true. This kind of self-deception eats away at the liars’ morality while helping to maintain a sense of inner calm. The downside is that liars know what they did, and they have to live with it for the rest of their lives. Liars work at considering the many forms of workplace abuse that exist, rudeness is at the low end of the workplace abuse ladder. This is because rudeness and incivility tend to fall short of forbidden behaviours such as discrimination and harassment. – believing they are happy, but often deep inside the contradiction grows and spreads like cancer. A friendly work environment where employees are honest benefits everyone and the business itself. Businesses with credible employers, employees, and products are more profitable than those driven by deception, as their reputation for honesty attracts customers. Cheating and lying are unjustified and unethical, causing immense harm and acting as a deliberate assault on others. Deception is coercive and never justifiable; liars should not act without facing consequences.
—The writer is Former Civil Servant and Consultant (ILO) & International Organisation for Migration.
