The anomaly of other-directedness: when normally ethical I.S. personnel are unethical

Despite the existence of laws and much publicity surrounding illegal software copying, it is widely believed that software copying is commonplace. Yet reasons why such illegal behavior continues to occur are lacking. This study used a model of ethical decision making as a guide for research and found the individual factor of other-directedness helped explain IS personnel's intentions toward illegal software copying. No such individual factor was related to judgments concerning right and wrong. These findings suggest that highly other-directed IS personnel may behave against their better judgment, especially in cases where they perceive unethical behavior is commonplace. Implications for management and ethics education are discussed.