An Analysis of Personal Information Privacy Concerns using Q-Methodology

Authors

Gregg Martin, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New ZealandFollow
Hritik Gupta, Department of Accounting and Information Systems, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New ZealandFollow
Stephen C. Wingreen, Department of Accounting and Information Systems, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New ZealandFollow
Annette M. Mills, Department of Accounting and Information Systems, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New ZealandFollow

Abstract

Information privacy has gained increased attention in recent years. This paper focuses on a particular aspect of privacy, i.e., personal information privacy. In this paper a conceptual framework is developed based Westin’s theory of Personal Information Privacy (PIP). Concourse theory and Q-methodology was used alongside the literature and the New Zealand Privacy Act 1993 to develop a Q-sort questionnaire. The resulting 29 statements were then sorted by 12 students (majoring in IS Security). The results indicate that for some, privacy priorities may be stable across contexts, and for others this differs, suggesting that current views of privacy (e.g. Westin’s theory) may need revising for the modern digital age. The Q-sort methodology also identified three types, each representing distinct collective perspectives on personal information privacy. These types are discussed along with implications and suggestions for future research.

Recommended Citation

Martin, Gregg; Gupta, Hritik; Wingreen, Stephen C.; and Mills, Annette M., "An Analysis of Personal Information Privacy Concerns using Q-Methodology" (2015). ACIS 2015 Proceedings. 165.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/acis2015/165