Title: Consumer influences on pirated software purchases: perspectives from an emerging Gulf nation

Authors: M. Sadiq Sohail; Turki Al-Thonayen

Addresses: Department of Management and Marketing, College of Industrial Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, P.O. Box 210, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Computer Security Administration, Corporate Security Services, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This paper examines the factors that influence consumer attitude towards software purchase of pirated software in Saudi Arabia. Based on a review of literature, a model is developed that examines the personal, social, attitudinal and other factors that influence an intention to purchase pirated software. Results reveal that four social and personal factors are important in influencing consumer attitudes. Study also finds significant differences in attitude towards software purchase by buyers and non-buyers. Other findings are also reported. This research is one of the first to examine the software piracy issue in Saudi Arabia. Several practice implications are discussed.

Keywords: software piracy; consumer behaviour; counterfeiting; Saudi Arabia; pirated software; consumer attitudes; puchasing intentions; social factors; personal factors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTGM.2012.045576

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2012 Vol.5 No.1, pp.43 - 56

Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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