Anger or Fear? Effects of Discrete Emotions on Deviant Security Behavior

Abstract

Deterrence theory has received considerable attention in recent years. However, scholars have begun to call for research beyond the deterrence approach on security behaviors, and argue that the theory of emotion should not be omitted from information systems security decision making [15, 81]. In this research, we examine and distinguish effects of anger and fear on perceived costs of sanctions and deviant security behavior. A research model is developed based on deterrence theory and cognitive appraisal theory of emotion. We propose to design a scenario of introducing a new security monitoring system, to analyze the interplays of anger, fear, perceived certainty, perceived severity of sanctions and deviant security behavior. The results will have important implications for comprehensively understanding employees’ deviant security behavior.