Abstract
AbstractThis article develops a new framework linking cross‐cultural human values, regulation, and governance in the area of cybersecurity. Cyber space is currently transitioning from a laissez‐faire into a regulated area. Yet, there is a significant heterogeneity in terms of the strength of commitment in different states to regulation and governance of digital spaces. Therefore, it is important to explore why this heterogeneity exists. This article proposes that heterogeneity in the commitment to regulation and governance of cyber space between different nations stems from the fundamental cross‐cultural differences in human values between countries. Using an example of cybersecurity, we show how the cultural value orientations theory maps onto national commitments to regulate and govern cybersecurity issues. We construct a theoretical framework linking human values with cybersecurity regulation and confirm the existence of this link empirically using the data from the international Schwartz Value Survey and the Global Cybersecurity Index.
Highlights
We are living in the era when the Internet is being transitioned from completely free, laissez-faire area into a place, which is becoming more and more regulated by law
The purpose of this article is to address the following question: is the heterogeneity in cybersecurity regulation and governance rooted in fundamental difference in human values between different countries? We propose a new human values-based framework for understanding cybersecurity regulation and governance which has a theory of cultural value orientations (Schwartz 2006) at its core
We establish a strong link between human values and the state commitment to regulation and governance of cybersecurity suggesting that regulatory systems and processes which help societies govern digital domains are rooted in their values and culture
Summary
We are living in the era when the Internet is being transitioned from completely free, laissez-faire area into a place, which is becoming more and more regulated by law. We propose a new human values-based framework for understanding cybersecurity regulation and governance which has a theory of cultural value orientations (Schwartz 2006) at its core. The purpose of this article is to address the following question: is the heterogeneity in cybersecurity regulation and governance rooted in fundamental difference in human values between different countries? We formulate hypotheses about commitment to cybersecurity for nations of type (i); and type (ii) and test these hypotheses utilizing field data Through these empirical tests, we establish a strong link between human values and the state commitment to regulation and governance of cybersecurity suggesting that regulatory systems and processes which help societies govern digital domains are rooted in their values and culture.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
