Establishing information security policy compliance culture in organizations. (8th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amankwa, Eric; Loock, Marianne; Kritzinger, Elmarie
• Is Part Of: Information and computer security. Volume 26:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 420
• Page End: 436
• Publication Date: 2018-10-08
• Subjects: Organizational culture -- Model -- Information security policy -- Behaviour intentions -- Compliance leadership -- User involvement; Computer security -- Management -- Periodicals; Computer networks -- Security measures -- Periodicals; Data protection -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.47
• DOI: 10.1108/ICS-09-2017-0063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4961

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to establish that employees' non-compliance with information security policy (ISP) could be addressed by nurturing ISP compliance culture through the promotion of factors such as supportive organizational culture, end-user involvement and compliance leadership to influence employees' attitudes and behaviour intentions towards ISP in organizations. This paper also aims to develop a testable research model that might be useful for future researchers in predicting employees' behavioural intentions. Design/methodology/approach: In view of the study's aim, a research model to show how three key constructs can influence the attitudes and behaviours of employees towards the establishment of security policy compliance culture (ISPCC) was developed and validated in an empirical field survey. Findings: The study found that factors such as supportive organizational culture and end-user involvement significantly influenced employees' attitudes towards compliance with ISP. However, leadership showed the weakest influence on attitudes towards compliance. The overall results showed that employees' attitudes and behavioural intentions towards ISP compliance together influenced the establishment of ISPCC for ISP compliance in organizations. Practical implications: Organizations should influence employees' attitudes towards compliance with ISP by providing effective ISP leadership, encouraging end-user involvement during the draft and update of ISP and nurturing a culture that is conducive for ISP compliance. Originality/value: The study provides some insights on how to effectively address the problem of non-compliance with ISP in organizations through the establishment of ISPCC, which has not been considered in any past research.