Although deception is a common strategy in bargaining, it has
also been described as a form of unethical behavior (e.g., Dees &
Cramton, 1991; Tenbrunsel, 1998). For example, Dees and Cramton
(1991, p. 2) state that ‘‘when outright lies are used, it violates one
of the most common prohibitions found in deontological theories
of ethics, and in most major religions.’’ If deception is unethical,
bargainers might be reluctant to use it. Indeed, research on deception
consistently shows that a substantial number of bargainers refrains
from using deception (see e.g., Boles et al., 2000).