Jeffrey A. Clements

Mitigating Threats to Collaboration and CMC: Identifying Antecedents of Online Deviance

Technology is a catalyst for communication and collaboration, and the use of information systems for these applications is prevalent. While there are countless benefits associated with communication and collaboration tools, detriments do exist. One pitfall is the prevalence of deviant behaviors online which can jeopardize the effectiveness of these tools. This paper presents the results of a study designed to investigate antecedents of online deviant behavior. The results indicate that impulsiveness, moral relativity, the perception of harm to others, and guilt influence the propensity for computer users to commit deviant acts. The implications and limitations of this work, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.

Compulsive technology use: Compulsive use of mobile applications

Abstract Information technology engages users beyond traditional organizational contexts. Technology has become more interconnected and personalized. As individuals are increasingly exposed to the types of triggers that prompt automatic technology engagement. Technology use has moved beyond the bounds of intentionality. This leads to the development of technology-use behaviors that may become automatic or difficult to control. Individuals can begin to develop spontaneous-use behaviors and feel compelled to interact with the systems they use. This study explores this phenomenon in the context of mobile applications, and conceptualizes this new type of system interaction as compulsive technology use. A theoretical framework of automatic behaviors is used to identify key technological mechanisms of behavioral initiation and psychological mechanisms of behavioral persistence, which contribute to compulsive technology use. The roles of technology habit and perception of sunk costs in the development of compulsive technology use are addressed. Characteristics and features of technology that influence compulsive technology use are identified.

Valuing Information Security: A Look at the Influence of User Engagement on Information Security Strength

ABSTRACT This study looks at the influence of user engagement on users’ information security practices. A model describing how user engagement (user posts) may influence a person’s decision to employ better security measures (stronger passwords) is tested. Password strength was determined by looking at password length, the types of characters used, the variety of character sequences used, the number of duplicate passwords, and the number of uncrackable passwords. Passwords were tested using a variety of cracking techniques. This study found that individuals from an online gaming site who made more posts to the user forum employed stronger passwords.

Exploring political skill and deception

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore and develop a model which examines the effects of political skill on an individual’s intent to deceive. Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained through a survey research design (n=273). The sample consisted of college students. A covariance-based structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze the data. Findings – Individual’s with high levels of political skill had more deception confidence and less deception guilt. Increased deception confidence was shown to be positively related to perceptions of deception success which is turn is positively associated with deception intent. The factors duping delight and deception guilt were also found to be related to deception intent. Research limitations/implications – This research furthers deception research by using a strong behavioral framework to determine the motivational influences on an individual’s politically motivated intent to deceive. In doing so, this research identifies factors whic...