Personality and Employees’ Information Security Behavior Among Generational Cohorts

Authors

  • Cartmell Warrington SUNY Orange
  • Javaid Syed Salem University
  • Ruth M. Tappin R.M. TAPPIN, LLC, NH

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33423/jop.v22i3.5647

Keywords:

organizational psychology, Big Five Factor Model, cyber security, data breaches, data protection, generational age group, individual differences, information security behavior, InfoSec, personality traits

Abstract

The Big Five Factors Model (FFM) of personality traits theory was tested for its ability to explain employee information security behavior (EISB), when age, measured by generational cohort (GCOHORT), moderated the relationship between the independent variables (IVs) extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, intellect (EACESI) and the dependent variable (DV), employees’ information security behavior (EISB) which is measured by file protection behavior (FPB). Three age groups defined GCOHORT: 52–70 years old (1946–1964, Baby Boomers), 36–51 yrs. old (1965–1980, Generation X), and 18– 35 yrs. Old (1981–1998, Millennial). Results of hierarchical multiple regressions analyses revealed statistically significant relationships between overall personality traits, four individual factors of personality traits, and the DV (p < .05). However, contrary to expectations, GCOHORT did not moderate the relationship between any of the main IVs and the DV (p > .05). Recommendations for future research are offered.

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Published

2022-12-07

How to Cite

Warrington, C., Syed, J., & Tappin, R. M. (2022). Personality and Employees’ Information Security Behavior Among Generational Cohorts. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 22(3). https://doi.org/10.33423/jop.v22i3.5647

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Section

Articles