Models and Theories of Unethical Use of Information Technology in Higher Education
Models and Theories of Unethical Use of Information Technology in Higher Education

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of the study is to analyse the theories and models by exploring the ethical aspects of information technology in higher education. Based on the analysis of literature, three categories of theories have been identified in this field: general theories (the theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behaviour, the theory of James Rest), decision making models (the model of Ferrell and Gresham, the Hunt-Vitell theory (or model) of ethics on ethical decision making in general, a Person-Situation Interactionist Model, Bommer's ethical decision-making model, the model of Jones) and information technology models (IT ethical model, the model of unethical use of information technology, the model of ethical behaviour in computer use, digital piracy attitude model, hypothetical and actual information security compliance models). The general theories have underpinned the later developed models, which have also begun to expand on IT-based models as well. The theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behaviour are the basis for the overwhelming majority of studies on the relationship between attitude, intention and unethical versus ethical behaviour. Along with these models, the theories on the stages of moral development can also be considered as they have underpinned the construction of decision models (such as the interactive model) or have provided the foundation for studies related to teachers’ level of moral reasoning. The result of the analysis of these models will lead to the elaboration of a comprehensive model of factors influencing the attitudes of higher education teachers towards the unethical use of information technology.

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