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Unethical behavior in information systems: The gender factor

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Abstract

This article reports the findings of a survey examining whether gender differences influence the degree to which individuals recognize unethical conduct in the use and development of information technology. The results show that, on the average, there is a significant gender gap in the recognition of unethical behavior in information systems. Although, women are better able to recognize unethical actions described in information systems scenarios than men, the existence of statistically significant differences varies depending upon the nature of the ethical dilemma. The findings of this study provide both managers and researchers valuable understanding regarding the differences (and similarities) in the reactions of individuals of both genders to unethical situations in information systems.

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Deepak Khazanchi is an assistant professor of information systems (IS) in the college of business at Northern Kentucky University. His recent publications and research interests focus on IS support for ill-structured problem understanding, ethical/pedagogical issues in IS, and impact of advanced information technologies in organizations.

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Khazanchi, D. Unethical behavior in information systems: The gender factor. J Bus Ethics 14, 741–749 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00872327

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00872327

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