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Variations in Information Security Cultures across Professions: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • TINA M. Sriraman Ramachandran

    (Dell, Inc.)

  • V. Srinivasan (Chino) Rao

    (University of Texas at San Antonio)

  • Timothy Goles

    (Texas A&M International University)

  • Gurpreet Dhillon

    (Virginia Commonwealth University)

Abstract

The importance of culture in helping explain and understand behavior is generally accepted. Scholars in the area of information security have argued that security culture is a key factor in safeguarding information assets. Scholars in the area of professional culture have argued that differences in cultures across professions must be accounted for, in correctly assessing the influence of culture. Combining these arguments, we suggest that differences in security cultures across professions need to be examined to fully comprehend the influences of security culture. This study utilizes a qualitative approach to further the understanding of information security cultures across four professions: Information Systems, Accounting, Human Resources, and Marketing. The concept of security culture is articulated, and the security cultures of the four professions are characterized to demonstrate that there are significant variations in security culture across these professions, when the professions are examined independent of organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • TINA M. Sriraman Ramachandran & V. Srinivasan (Chino) Rao & Timothy Goles & Gurpreet Dhillon, 2012. "Variations in Information Security Cultures across Professions: A Qualitative Study," Working Papers 0021, College of Business, University of Texas at San Antonio.
    • Handle: RePEc:tsa:wpaper:0055is
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Gideon Kunda, 1995. "Engineering Culture: Control and Commitment in a High-Tech Corporation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 6(2), pages 228-230, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Information Security Culture; Professional Culture;

    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management
    • M19 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Other

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