Why do people make excuses at work?

According to Freud, the primary cause of our excuse-making is a deeper, unconscious drive to protect our ego from experiencing fear and embarrassment. Admitting our weaknesses is akin to confronting the inner monster in our hearts. Excuses undermine one's accountability.

There are generally three categories of excuses:

1. Straight lies: I was unwell.

2. Self-handicapping: I am not able to do it!

3. Blame-shifting: I failed because my supervisor did not give me clear guidance.

 

From a result perspective, it demotivates our working motivation from attaining and discourages us from accomplishing.