Bandura s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) embraces an interactional model of
causation in which environmental events, personal factors and behaviour all operate as
interacting determinants of each other. This study aims to develop a model that predicts and
explains incidents of unauthorised copying of software using SCT. To do this, the current
study explored the relationship between attitudes, self-efficacy and social norms, with an
individual s intention to copy software illegally. In addition, moral disengagement was
considered as a mediator of the relationship.
The study was conducted within one medium-sized South African Information Technology
(IT) organisation, and one department of a large South African production organisation,
within the surrounding Johannesburg area. In addition, a sample was also collected from four
Zambian banking industries. The researcher received responses from 217 participants from
across the organisations.
Firstly the relationship between attitudes, self-efficacy and social norms with regard to
intentions were analysed, by using correlations. The results of the correlation indicated that
there is a significant positive relationship between each of the variables and intention to the
unauthorised copying of software. The model predicted by the researcher is then tested
empirically according to Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results of the SEM
presented the researcher with four models, which will each be discussed independently, as
well as suggesting the model that best fits the data. A discussion of the findings is presented,
in addition to the limitations of the study and possible recommendations for improvement.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/5980 |
| Date | 28 January 2009 |
| Creators | Wentzell, Alethea |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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