SOFTWARE PIRACY AND CORRUPTION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Kerry Pedigo, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Curtin Business School, Curtin University of Technology, Australia
Verena Marshall, PhD, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Business, Curtin University of Technology, Australia

Abstract
This paper reports findings from a qualitative research study that investigated cross-cultural ethical dilemmas experienced by Australian managers operating in international Information Technology industry markets. Breaching of intellectual property rights or software piracy was reported as one of the most common ethical dilemmas for Australian managers operating in the IT industry. The unauthorised mass production of pirated software and inappropriate use of software by prospective customers emerged as a key concern and major ethical conflict for the study cohort. This paper explores how business managers operating in international markets effectively address the tension of protecting their intellectual property rights while fostering positive relationships with their internal clients (employees) and external market clients.  Findings from this research provide a platform for analysis of both Imperialist and Universalist perspectives in dealing with this ethical dilemma.
Keywords: software piracy, intellectual property, ethics