A Comparative Examination of Attitudes Toward Software Piracy Among Business Professors and Executives

Abstract

This study investigates attitudes toward unauthorized copying of microcomputer software, a practice which is costing the industry an estimated $800 million to $2 billion a year in lost revenue. Specifically, the copying activities of business executives are compared with those of business faculty members. Executives are found to report less unauthorized copying activities both personally and by colleagues; they also reject rationalizations for such copying. Academicians, on the other hand, tend to view unauthorized copying as being less unethical. Possible explanations for the differences between the two groups include the degree and type of job-related supervision, identification with the organization vs. the profession, and social-desirability bias. Implications of these findings and future research needs are discussed.