Abstract
Software piracy is a damaging and important moral issue, which is widely believed to be unchecked in particular areas of the globe. This cross-cultural study examines differences in morality and behavior toward software piracy in Singapore versus the United States, and reviews the cultural histories of Asia versus the United States to explore why these differences occur. The paper is based upon pilot data collected in the U.S. and Singapore, using a tradeoff analysis methodology and analysis. The data reveal some fascinating interactions between the level of ethical transgression and the rewards or consequences which they produce.
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Appendices
Appendix 1
The Scenario
Suppose you are working for a private company on a government consulting project. The timing and the completion of the project is critical, and you are committed to the project.
You have just found out that there is a computer software program which is essential to finish the project correctly and on time. The software is copyrighted and costs $800. However, the company has not budgeted for the software and is not willing to purchase it.
You have a friend who has purchased this software program. Your friend has offered to let you copy the programs and use the copy however you wish.
Alternatives
You have the four alternatives listed below available for you. Please check the space which best reflects your personal view how acceptable or unacceptable each alternative is for you.
Acceptable | Unacceptable | |
– | – | A. Do not copy the software and do not use it. |
– | – | B. Copy the program and destroy the copy after using it for the assignment. |
– | – | C. Copy the program and keep a copy for use on other projects. |
– | – | D. Copy the program and sell copies to other people that ask for it. |
Outcomes for Your Decision
Suppose that if you get the project finished correctly and on time, the following three alternatives exist for you. The successful completion of the project could:
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1.
Provide you with a significant promotion and raise – a much better position and a 50% salary increase, or it could
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2.
Provide you with a modest promotion and raise – a somewhat better position and a 10% salary increase, or it could
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3.
Not affect your job, position, or salary with the company.
Appendix 2
Tradeoff Table for the Scenario
Now please consider both the four alternatives (A, B, C, and D) available to you with regards to the software, and the three personal outcomes (1, 2, and 3) and indicate the order of your preference for each combination, by numbering each box from 1 to 12:
Alternatives | ||||
Do not copy or use | Copy, but destroy after use | Copy and keep a copy | Copy and sell copies | |
Outcome for you: Provide you with a significant promotion and raise | ||||
Provide you with a modest promotion and raise | ||||
Not affect your position with the company | ||||
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Swinyard, W.R., Rinne, H., Kau, A.K. (2013). The Morality of Software Piracy: A Cross-Cultural Analysis. In: Michalos, A., Poff, D. (eds) Citation Classics from the Journal of Business Ethics. Advances in Business Ethics Research, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4126-3_29
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4126-3_29
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