A multi-theoretical perspective on IS security behaviors
Gregory Daniel Moody · 2011
Increasingly, organizations and individuals rely upon technologies and networks more and more. Likewise, these environments are infested with more dangers, which could be avoided if computer users were to follow general security guidelines or procedures. Despite the ever-increasing threat, little research has addressed or explained why individuals purposefully engage in behaviors that make them more vulnerable to these threats, rather than avoiding or protecting themselves from such threats. Despite the advantage that could be afforded by understanding the motivations behind such behaviors, research addressing these behaviors is lacking or focused on very specific theoretical bases. This dissertation addresses this research gap by focusing on security-related behaviors that have yet to be addressed in this research stream, and by using novel theoretical perspectives that increase our insight into these types of behaviors. Four studies (n = 1,430) are tested and reported here that support the four behaviors and theoretical perspectives that are of focus in this dissertation. By considering additional theories, constructs, and theoretical perspectives, this dissertation provides several important contributions to security-related behaviors. The results of this study provide new insights into the motivations behind the purposeful enactment of behaviors that increase one’s vulnerability to technological threats and risks.