An empirical study of software piracy

Predicting Accounting Students’ Intentions to Engage in Software and Music Piracy

“…Previous studies have found support for the influence of subjective norms on intentions to engage in software and music piracy (Higgins et al, 2005;Hsu and Shiue, 2008;Yang and Wang, 2014). Lau (2003) argues that there is a social acceptance of software piracy which promotes or influences lenient attitudes toward piracy behaviors. Hence, the way our social circles view software and music piracy can impact our intention to engage in software and music piracy.…”

“…Software and music piracy have also been linked to one's lack of awareness and knowledge of copyright legislation. Lau (2003) argues that although licensing agreements are used for software, many persons do not pay attention to them. Lau (2003) also finds that social acceptance of piracy, the cost of original software, poor availability of original software and lack of knowledge were related to lenient attitudes to software piracy.…”

“…Lau (2003) argues that although licensing agreements are used for software, many persons do not pay attention to them. Lau (2003) also finds that social acceptance of piracy, the cost of original software, poor availability of original software and lack of knowledge were related to lenient attitudes to software piracy. Branscomb (1994) suggests that the licensing agreements are usually printed very small and are at times complicated making them ineffective since most consumers ignore them.…”

“…Moreover, the social acceptance of software and music piracy, especially in developing countries, is perceived as a major influence of these behaviors. Lau (2003) further argues that the idea that "everybody is doing it" is a common motivator for software and music piracy. Chang (1998) finds that favourableness or unfavourableness towards the behavior is affected by how significant others consider the performance of the behavior.…”

“…Cheng et al (1997) highlight this to be a motivating factor in software piracy especially for students. In addition, the high cost of original software has been shown to influence software piracy (Cheng et al, 1997;Lau, 2003;Hsu and Shiue, 2008). Cheng et al (1997) find that individuals are more willing to use pirated products rather than buying the original products because they are "overpriced".…”