Characteristics correlated with an individual's predisposition to making a computer-related ethical judgment

The purpose of this study was to identify the inherent characteristics that are correlated with an individual's predisposition to making a computer-related ethical judgment in accordance with a behavioral model of ethical and unethical decision making developed by Harrington (1992). The inherent characteristics identified were negative-affectivity, other-directedness, moral perspective, locus-of-control and denial-of-responsibility. Data for this study were gathered using questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to undergraduate and graduate business students enrolled in a computer related course. Analysis of the data indicated an individual's intent to perform the computer abuse was found to be a function of negative-affectivity and the interaction of the individual factors of other-directedness, moral perspective and denial-of-responsibility. Negative-affectivity was significant to understanding decision making in different kinds of situations and the degree to which individuals are likely to attribute personal control in the same situation. This study would prove beneficial to those who teach ethics, write ethical codes of conduct or business professionals who must make decisions an how to use and implement computer technology.