IP Outreach Research > IP Crime
Reference
Title: | Software Copyright Infringements: an Exploratory Study of the Effects of Individual and Peer Beliefs |
Author: | Im Al-Jabri and Ah Abdul-Gader [King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals] |
Source: | Omega, International Journal of Management Science 25, no. 3: 335-344 |
Year: | 1997 |
Details
Subject/Type: | Piracy |
Focus: | Software |
Country/Territory: | Saudi Arabia |
Objective: | To explore the effects of individual and peer beliefs on software copyright infringements in Saudi Arabia. |
Sample: | 278 male Saudi Arabian university students |
Methodology: | Questionnaire |
Main Findings
Attitudes of Saudi university students regarding software piracy vary, depending on the scenario of copying considered. Both individual ethical beliefs and perceived peer beliefs are found to have a significant effect on the intention to respect or infringe intellectual property rights. Peer beliefs have an impact on individual ethical beliefs. However, the major determinant and more influential factor in forming software copying intention are individual ethical beliefs.
To reduce software piracy, ethical behaviour change strategies should be implemented, sending out messages directed to alter either individual or peer beliefs. Adopting, propagating and enforcing clear policies on software ethics within organisations, and conducting computer ethics awareness campaigns can help change the belief structure. Wide information diffusion is important: the more people know the rules and regulations, the larger the potential group influence on individuals is.
Software developers are encouraged to extend their marketing strategies beyond their country of origin boundaries, to provide after-sale support and to develop an industry code of ethics.
[Date Added: Aug 12, 2008 ]