Sally works as a salesperson in a department store. Whenever a customer asks for an item that is in stock but not on display, she usually tells them that the product is out of stock. "It's a pain going into the stock-room to find an item," says Sally. "Nobody in my department ever tells a customer the truth about what is in stock." This example illustrates which of the following facts about deviant workplace behavior?
A) Deviant workplace behavior will arise when tasks that an employee is supposed to perform are unpleasant or difficult.
B) Most workers do not consider lying to a customer to be deviant workplace behavior.
C) Workers will lie to customers as long as the customers do not complain about it.
D) Deviant workplace behavior flourishes where it's supported by group norms.
E) Groups will come to their own conclusions about what is and isn't appropriate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The example illustrates that deviant workplace behavior, such as lying to customers, flourishes where it is supported by group norms. Sally's statement that "nobody in my department ever tells a customer the truth" suggests that this behavior is accepted and even encouraged within her workplace culture. The other answer choices are not supported by the example or are too broad.

Sally Works as a Salesperson in a Department Store