An exploration of dark and light triad personality traits towards situational crime prevention and compliant information security behaviour

Purpose This investigation serves a dual purpose: providing preliminary results and serving as a pilot study to confirm the viability of the hypotheses advanced towards a full-scale study. This paper aims to present the preliminary findings of an investigation that explored the constructs of personality traits and situational crime prevention theory (SCPT) as antecedents to social cognitive determinants (attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms using the theory of planned behaviour [TPB] framing) and how these elements subsequently estimate compliant information security behaviour. Moreover, this paper delves into the contrasting influences of light and dark personality traits on insider information security compliance. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted to study SCPT measures and the personality factors dyad using a diverse but limited sample (n = 82). Findings There were ten significant direct relationships between SCPT factors and personality traits related to the components of the TPB. Seventeen hypotheses were not supported. However, these findings highlight the complexity of the topic under study. Practical implications Understanding individual differences within the compliance model could be used for custom training protocols, employee selection, assignment and specific types of information security interventions. Originality/value There is a scarcity of studies considering the effects of situational and personality factors, specifically the dark versus light triad of personality traits within the information security domain. Therefore, this preliminary result provides early insight that could guide further studies. This research could have important implications for organisations at risk of insider attacks.