New insights for an old problem: explaining software piracy through neutralization theory

Siponen, Mikko, Vance, Anthony and Willison, Robert (2010) New insights for an old problem: explaining software piracy through neutralization theory. In: Proceedings of the 43rd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. IEEE, Piscataway, NJ, pp. 1-10. ISBN 978-0769538693

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Abstract

Software piracy continues to be a major economic concern for organizations. Given the widespread nature of the problem, software piracy has received attention from IS scholars. Previous research indicates that neutralization - a form of rationalization - can help to explain software piracy intentions. However, a knowledge gap exists in our understanding about which techniques of neutralization contributes most to software piracy intentions. To address this gap, we advance a model that explains the effects of neutralization techniques on software piracy intentions. For greater explanatory power, we also include formal sanctions, shame, and moral beliefs in our model. Empirical results (n=183) show that neutralization techniques "appeal to higher loyalties" and "condemnation of the condemners" strongly predict software piracy intentions. In addition, shame and moral beliefs are also strong predictors. These findings suggest that anti-piracy efforts should involve educational interventions aimed at addressing these two neutralization techniques, rather than relying on formal sanctions.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	43rd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences held in Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii from 5-8 January 2010.
Subjects:	G900 Others in Mathematical and Computing Sciences N900 Others in Business and Administrative studies
Department:	Faculties > Business and Law > Newcastle Business School
Depositing User:	Helen Pattison
Date Deposited:	09 Oct 2012 08:51
Last Modified:	19 Nov 2019 09:53
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/9509

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