Exploring deceptive behavior in intra-organizational activities of teleworkers in the IT sector in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aims to explore and validate a conceptual framework based on socio-technical systems and information manipulation theories to understand how deficiencies in IT infrastructure and interpersonal distrust lead to communication breakdowns and foster deceptive behavior. The research examines this phenomenon, which became particularly pronounced as companies shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs moderated regression analysis (MRA) utilizing the PROCESS macro model 7 to assess hypotheses concerning the mediated moderation effect of deception. Data was collected from a judgmental sample comprising 200 remote IT workers to probe their motivations for deceptive practices within virtual work environments. Research findings demonstrate that the moderated mediation index (the interpersonal trust index) is −.1894. Moderated mediation is statistically significant, not including zero, as indicated by the 95% confidence interval (−.2380 to −.1385). Interpersonal trust moderates the indirect effect of IT infrastructure on communication deception. These findings imply that teleworkers can effectively communicate information if companies provide the infrastructure. Interpersonal trust can increase communication even in inappropriate household environments. Employers should prioritize managing trust and maximizing human capital to create a win–win situation for the company and teleworkers. This study sheds light on the role of interpersonal trust in shaping the relationship between communication and deception, filling a gap in the empirical literature on virtual work environments in the post-pandemic landscape. It provides novel insights by demonstrating how organizational trust moderates communication dynamics and mediates the influence of both deceit and IT infrastructure provision.