An intention model-based study of software piracy

The illegal copying of software is commonly referred to as software piracy, which is considered to be one of the ethical issues of cyberspace. To this end, several measures have been tried to prevent and deter losses. One is to identify the factors that influence the piracy act. In this research, a theoretical model is developed to test the factors that would significantly affect piracy intention of information system (IS) professionals. The model is based on the Ajzen´s (1985; 1989) theory of planned behavior (TPB), ethical decision making theory, self-efficacy theory, and M-O-P (Motivation-Object-Protect) criminal theory. Our study shows that that IS professional´s piracy acts are directly influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived deindividuation. It also shows that the attitude and subjective norms are, in turn, influenced by their ethical perception of piracy issues and organizational ethical climates.