In the USA I was taught hard work and an honest life were good things.
When I operated my own business there were times when distorting the truth would have improved my interest , banking interest.
What I did learn was that Corp America does not give a Hoot in Hell about lying as long as they get the contract, I guess for them a lie was some line item that could be worked out later on in the process.
I talked to a millionaire guy once and he was very happy to let me know that he didn't tell lies but hired people who could do that for him.
No wonder im poor all i ever hired were honest people.