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Why People Copy Software and Create Computer Viruses

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  • Susan J. Harrington

    (Kent State University, USA)

Abstract

Individual and situational variables are examined as factors in the behavior of computer users, namely copying of software (programs) and destruction of computer data by distributing destructive programs (viruses). The results of this research indicate that situational independent variables do explain much of the variance in copying of software, but individual variables do not. However, the individual variable of sex is strongly related to the dependent variable of distributing destructive programs. Relatively few situational variables are related. The fact that software copying has no perceptible impact on fellow computer users, whereas spreading viruses has a serious, destructive impact, suggests that the perceived impact on others may provide a clue as to when individual variables are dominant and when situational variables predominate. Thus, this study provides some evidence in support of the model proposed and suggests that both a developmental and situational approach to the behavior of computer users may be appropriate.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan J. Harrington, 1989. "Why People Copy Software and Create Computer Viruses," Information Resources Management Journal (IRMJ), IGI Global, vol. 2(3), pages 28-38, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:igg:rmj000:v:2:y:1989:i:3:p:28-38
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    File URL: http://services.igi-global.com/resolvedoi/resolve.aspx?doi=10.4018/irmj.1989070103
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    Cited by:

    1. Shariffah Zamoon & Shawn Curley, 2008. "Ripped from the Headlines: What can the Popular Press Teach us about Software Piracy?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 83(3), pages 515-533, December.
    2. Charles Hill, 2007. "Digital piracy: Causes, consequences, and strategic responses," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 9-25, March.
    3. Tim Goles & Bandula Jayatilaka & Beena George & Linda Parsons & Valrie Chambers & David Taylor & Rebecca Brune, 2008. "Softlifting: Exploring Determinants of Attitude," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 77(4), pages 481-499, February.
    4. Borja, Karla & Dieringer, Suzanne, 2016. "Streaming or stealing? The complementary features between music streaming and music piracy," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 86-95.
    5. T. S. Raghu & Rajiv Sinha & Ajay Vinze & Orneita Burton, 2009. "Willingness to Pay in an Open Source Software Environment," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 20(2), pages 218-236, June.
    6. Ian Phau & James Ng, 2010. "Predictors of Usage Intentions of Pirated Software," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 94(1), pages 23-37, June.
    7. Martyna Kobus & Michał Krawczyk, 2013. "Piracy as an ethical decision," Working Papers 2013-22, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.

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