Understanding extra-role security behaviors: An integration of self-determination theory and construal level theory

Behavioral information security; In-role behavior; Extra-role behavior; Organizational citizenship behavior; Self-determination theory; Construal level theory; Psychological distance

Abstract :

[en] Extra-role security behaviors (ERSBs) – spontaneous security behaviors that are not prescribed in organizational security policies – are seen as a useful addition to securing informational assets in organizations. However, this exploratory study, based on findings obtained through 29 in-depth-interviews, challenges this positive perspective and shows that extra-role security behaviors cut both ways: They are either helpful or harmful. In addition, our results suggest that (1) ERSB contributes to varying degrees to the effectiveness of information security compliance, (2) the self-determination theory contributes to understanding the motivators for ERSB, and (3) the construal level theory of psychological distance explains the differential risk evaluation of ERSB. We discuss implications for researchers and practitioners – particularly in terms of promoting the beneficial nature of extra-role security behaviors – and suggest compelling avenues for future research.

Disciplines :

Management information systems

Author, co-author :

FRANK, Muriel-Larissa ; University of Luxembourg > Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SNT) > FINATRAX

Kohn, Vanessa; Goethe University Frankfurt

External co-authors :

yes

Language :

English

Title :

Understanding extra-role security behaviors: An integration of self-determination theory and construal level theory

Publication date :

2023

Journal title :

Computers and Security

ISSN :

0167-4048

Volume :

132

Pages :

103386

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Focus Area :

Security, Reliability and Trust

Additional URL :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167404823002961

FnR Project :

FNR13342933 - Paypal-fnr Pearl Chair In Digital Financial Services, 2019 (01/01/2020-31/12/2024) - Gilbert Fridgen

Available on ORBilu :

since 25 July 2023

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