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Article
Publication date: 12 October 2012

Irena Vida, Mateja Kos Koklič, Monika Kukar‐Kinney and Elfriede Penz

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumer perceptions of personal risk and benefits of digital piracy behavior as determinants of one's justification for such behavior…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumer perceptions of personal risk and benefits of digital piracy behavior as determinants of one's justification for such behavior and the consequent future piracy intention. Temporal effects of rationalization in shaping future piracy intent are also addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed using counterfeiting and piracy literature. Data were gathered via mail and online survey of adults in five European Union countries. The model was tested on pooled sample using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Rationalization mediates the relationship between perceived benefits and piracy intention, but not between perceived risk and intention. Both perceived risk and benefits affect piracy intent, with risk reducing it and benefits increasing it. Rationalization of past behavior increases future digital piracy intent.

Research limitations/implications

Risk measure was limited to technical problems, thus future studies should examine a wider scope of risk dimensions. The cross‐sectional design of the study also creates some limitations. A longitudinal methodology could provide a better insight into sequencing of rationalization.

Social implications

Marketing communications should increase public awareness of risks and reduce perceived piracy benefits to reduce future piracy intent. Public persuasion activities should counter the arguments consumers use to rationalize their piracy behavior.

Originality/value

This research fills in a void in knowledge on how expected consequences drive rationalization techniques, particularly with respect to future piracy intent. A realistic data set drawn from adult population in five countries is used, enhancing external validity.

Details

Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Mahalia Jackman and Troy Lorde

Digital piracy is one of the most popular forms of intellectual property theft and is currently recognized as a crime in several countries. This begs the question, if persons are…

2572

Abstract

Purpose

Digital piracy is one of the most popular forms of intellectual property theft and is currently recognized as a crime in several countries. This begs the question, if persons are fully informed that digital file sharing is a crime and, if caught, can be legally prosecuted, why do individuals opt to engage in such criminal behaviour? The purpose of the paper is to determine the psychological, social and economic factors influencing digital piracy. Understanding the social and psychological features of digital pirates is necessary if effected strategies are to be developed to deter the practice of digital piracy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a representative sample drawn from the population of Barbados was surveyed. The conceptual models were estimated using ordinary least squares multiple regression, Tobit estimation and quantile regression.

Findings

The results suggest that intentions and willingness to pay (WTP) both have a significant impact on digital piracy. Intentions are in turn influenced by the pirate's attitude, perceived consequences, ethics, education level and environment. Finally, a facilitating environment and perceived importance of the piracy issue help to predict’ WTP for digital products.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, no other study has combined notions from attitude/values/behaviour with that of WTP. Yet, the literature would suggest that they both have significant impacts on the quantity of digital goods that are pirated. It is possible that not modelling their joint impact could have resulted in loss of vital information.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 41 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 December 2017

Sunghan Ryu and Byungho Park

The purpose of this study is to understand the nature and characteristics of legal movie download services and to explore the factors that influence user acceptance of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the nature and characteristics of legal movie download services and to explore the factors that influence user acceptance of the services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed the three aspects (i.e. hedonic information systems, ethical and legal consideration and user characteristics) of legal movie download services and empirically examined how they affect the potential users’ behavioral intent to adopt the services based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA). An online survey of 142 respondents about a real legal movie download services, currently operated by a major online service provider, was conducted.

Findings

Perceived playfulness and perceived usefulness had statistically significant effects on attitude. The relationships between subjective norms and its influencers are validated for moral judgment as well as risk aversion. The influence of price consciousness and past experience on behavioral intent to adopt the service are both supported. In the TRA model, attitude and subjective norms had statistically significant influence on behavioral intent to adopt the services.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to extending the literature on online pirating behavior from the different perspective, i.e. adoption of new legal alternatives. The study shows that the specific boundary conditions, i.e. hedonic attribute of information systems and existence of illegal alternatives, would generate the different results from the theories and previous literature.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2021

Arūnas Gudinavičius and Vincas Grigas

The current study aims to identify and explore causes and consequences of unauthorized use of books from readers', publishers', and authors' points of view. The case of Lithuania…

Abstract

Purpose

The current study aims to identify and explore causes and consequences of unauthorized use of books from readers', publishers', and authors' points of view. The case of Lithuania also assessed, especially historical background (banned alphabet, book smuggling, theft as the social norm in Soviet times) of the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming for more understanding why readers, authors and publishers are using or not using technology for unauthorized access of books, technology acceptance model approach was used, a total of 30 respondents (publishers, authors and readers) were interviewed in semi-structured face-to-face interviews and thematic analysis of collected qualitative data was conducted. Interviews were coded in English with coding software for further analysis.

Findings

Findings indicate that the main cause for the unauthorized use of books is a lack of legal e-book titles and acquisition options. This mainly points at publishers, however, instead of using unauthorized sources as opportunities for author promotion or marketing, they rather concentrate on the causes of unauthorized use of books which they are not in control of, including access to unauthorized sources, habits and economic causes. Some publishers believe that the lack of legal e-book titles is the consequence of unauthorized use of book rather than its cause.

Originality/value

This research contributed to the body of knowledge by investigating unauthorized use of books from readers', publishers' and authors' points of view which renders to have a better understanding of the causes and consequences of such behavior, as well as differences between these roles. The authors suggest that these causes lead to the intention to use and actual use of technology which is easier to use and which gives more perceived advantages – technology for unauthorized downloading and reading of books vs legal e-book acquisition options.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2021-0133.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 46 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2015

Denni Arli, Fandy Tjiptono and Rebecca Porto

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of moral equity, relativism, and attitude towards digital piracy behaviour in a developing country. End-user piracy is more…

2578

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of moral equity, relativism, and attitude towards digital piracy behaviour in a developing country. End-user piracy is more difficult to detect than commercial piracy. Thus, an effective strategy to combat piracy needs a comprehensive understanding of both the supply and demand sides of piracy. The current study focuses on the demand side by investigating the impact of moral equity, relativism, and attitude on consumer piracy behaviour in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a convenient sample in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, questionnaires were distributed in a large private university. In addition, through snowball sampling techniques, the surveys were also distributed to other adults who live within a walking distance from the campus. The data collection resulted in 222 usable surveys (a response rate of 68 per cent).

Findings

In Indonesia, moral equity had a negative and significant impact on purchases of illegal copies of music CDs and pirated software. Relativism affects the purchase of pirated software positively, but its effect on purchases of illegal copies of CDs is insignificant. Attitude towards the act was negatively impacted by moral equity for CDs and software. Relativism only significantly affects the purchase of pirated software but in the opposite direction while it has failed to reach significance for illegal music CD purchases. Attitude towards the software piracy and purchases of illegal copies of music CDs positively affect consumer’s digital piracy behaviour. Finally, Indonesian consumers feel more morally wrong to purchase illegal copies of CDs than to buy pirated software.

Practical implications

In the context of Indonesia, higher moral equity has affected piracy behaviour negatively. Therefore, efforts to reduce piracy should focus on highlighting the importance of fairness and justice. One of the main drivers of digital piracy (e.g. buying, downloading, copying, and sharing digital materials illegally) is overpriced products. It has led many Indonesians to believe that it is acceptable to purchase pirated software and illegal copies of CDs. Nonetheless, if companies are able to lower prices; thus make it affordable to consumers, consumers will perceive fairness and justice in purchasing original copies of software and CDs.

Originality/value

There are very limited studies investigating factors impacting the purchase of pirated software and CDs in the developing countries specifically Indonesia, the fourth most populous nation in the world and one of the biggest markets for counterfeit products. This is one of first few studies exploring this issue in Indonesia.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Aviv Shoham, Ayalla Ruvio and Moshe Davidow

This paper seeks to assess the impact of consumer ethics and their piracy attitudes on piracy behaviors. The extent of such piracy is difficult to estimate because no worldwide…

6509

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to assess the impact of consumer ethics and their piracy attitudes on piracy behaviors. The extent of such piracy is difficult to estimate because no worldwide statistics are available, but conservative estimates indicate that it costs manufacturers billions of dollars.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using Israeli consumers through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed mostly through regression models.

Findings

Attitudes to piracy served as a partial mediator of the impacts of consumer morals and ethics on actual piracy.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation is the use of a convenience sample and future research should replicate and extend this study using random samples.

Practical implications

First, firms should advertise piracy as unethical. This would result in recognition of unethical piracy behavior by some part of the population. For piracy reduction, such people should recognize the need to “balance the ethical book” within the same context of behavior. In other words, if they have pirated from a company in the past, such people should be encouraged to purchase from the same company in the future.

Originality/value

The paper assesses the impact of consumer ethics and their piracy attitudes and behaviors.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2019

Jason M. Walter

Contemporary copyright infringement has significantly changed in the digital era, and because of the unique attributes of internet piracy and method of exchange, traditional…

Abstract

Purpose

Contemporary copyright infringement has significantly changed in the digital era, and because of the unique attributes of internet piracy and method of exchange, traditional regulatory approaches are ineffective. The characteristics of digital goods enable users to almost costlessly copy and exchange content. Much of the contemporary research fails to incorporate the necessary components of exchange that are central to digital piracy. This paper aims to examine the role of peer-to-peer network hosts and the often-omitted cyberlocker.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple framework is constructed that describes how these entities how these entities facilitate digital piracy and operate financially. This framework illustrates the objectives of piracy mediators, highlighting the avenues by which regulation can craft policy. Additional examination of online piracy highlights the challenges of contemporary policy to combat digital piracy due to the secondary consequences.

Findings

Recent policies, aimed at diminishing piracy, would infringe on consumers’ privacy, hurt business finances or strategically used by rivals to hurt the operations of legal entities. Trying to prevent illegal sources (or facilitators) of pirate goods from providing access to files continues to be challenging. In many instances, the blurry line between a legal platform for file exchange and a piracy haven creates significant regulatory problems. For known piracy promoters (host sites or cyberlockers), location and revenue streams continue to limit direct intervention.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the necessary path for piracy to occur by including previously omitted agents necessary for communication and/or distribution. My analysis incorporates these entities that facilitate piracy and the unique features of digital exchange, which has industrial and regulatory implications. Furthermore, my results highlight why regulators have been ineffective in crafting meaningful anti-piracy policy.

Details

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2014

Stephanie Jones

The aim of this study is to determine the nature and extent of the threat of global maritime piracy. The cost of global piracy has been estimated at USD15-25 billion, reaching an…

1186

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the nature and extent of the threat of global maritime piracy. The cost of global piracy has been estimated at USD15-25 billion, reaching an all-time high in 2011, remaining an ongoing threat to world trade and contributing to high commodity costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review of formal and informal published sources, this exploratory and diagnostic article attempts to approximately quantify global piracy in terms of pirate activity worldwide and shipper response, and looks at global trends and some tentative economic implications.

Findings

The overall findings are inconclusive due to unreliable and piecemeal data, but global piracy clearly impacts goods carried by sea. The piracy problem may be estimated in terms of ships and crew affected, ransoms paid, the impact on specific commodities in terms of cargoes carried and cost implications of pirate-avoiding rerouting.

Practical implications

Pirates are getting rich, but their compatriots are poorer than ever. Countries desperate for international aid are corruptly laundering pirate ransom income and continuing to support pirate warlords. Prices are continuing to rise for consumers in all countries. Solutions to the piracy problem remain elusive, and are considered in a follow-up article, Maritime piracy – the challenge of providing long-term solutions.

Originality/value

Most articles in this field consider specific piracy incidents in particular locations, without an overall analysis of the impact on world trade as a whole. There is a gap in the literature for an up-to-date, analytical study of maritime piracy worldwide.

Details

Competitiveness Review, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2011

Richard C. Warren

The purpose of this paper is to use virtue ethics to explore the dilemmas arising for shipowners facing the piracy threat off the coast of Somalia.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use virtue ethics to explore the dilemmas arising for shipowners facing the piracy threat off the coast of Somalia.

Design/methodology/approach

The ethical issues arising for the shipowners in the face of the piracy threat off the coast of Somalia are explored using a virtue theory perspective. In particular, the ethical issues facing shipowners in routing vessels through the danger zones, as well as the dilemmas that can arise when a ship has been boarded by pirates, such as whether or not the shipowners should pay the pirates' ransom demands.

Findings

Although individual shipowners can take some matters into their own hands by various initiatives and security measures, the conclusion is that the scourge of piracy can only be reduced by international co‐operation between shipowners and nation states.

Originality/value

Piracy on the high seas is an old problem that has begun to resurface and become more frequent and widespread in recent years. Several important ethical dilemmas for shipowners are discussed. Should shipowners put absolute priority on protecting the lives of the crew by keeping the ship and its cargo away from the zone of attack? What measures should be implemented to inform and protect the crew, the ship and its cargo? And, if the ship is attacked by pirates and captured, what should shipowners then do, should they resist or should they pay a ransom?

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2015

Kate Daellenbach, Rachael Kusel and Michel Rod

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between musician’s social network sites (SNS), the tie that fans may develop via these sites, and music acquisition, via…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between musician’s social network sites (SNS), the tie that fans may develop via these sites, and music acquisition, via legal and illegal means.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was taken, gathering 352 responses from young adults via an online survey.

Findings

Perceptions of interactivity and sincerity on musicians’ SNS are found to lead to stronger ties, enhancing the fan’s feeling of closeness to the musician, the fan’s inclination to spread positive word-of-mouth, and the time a fan spends on the site. Pathways are found between the fan activity, sense of closeness and time spent on the SNS. In terms of acquisition, the tie strength indicator of time spent on the SNS holds a positive relationship with purchase intent. While a sense of closeness holds a negative relationship to illegal downloading activity, the fan’s activity recommending the musician has a positive influence on illegal downloading.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include a limited amount of information on the musician and extent of fandom, suggesting future research to tease out the effects of SNS on fans with varying levels of existing commitment to musicians.

Practical implications

Stronger ties between fans and musicians may be developed via interactive and sincere SNS. Activities which encourage the fan to give recommendations and spread positive word-of-mouth are especially influential in driving purchase intent.

Originality/value

These results provide theoretical and practical implications in relation to how SNS may influence the online fan-celebrity “tie” and music acquisition – three elements which have not to date been examined.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

1 – 10 of 362