ACADEMICS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SOFTWARE PIRACY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: EVIDENCE FROM TÜRKİYE

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of academics in Turkish higher education regarding software piracy and to identify the demographic factors influencing these perceptions. A survey methodology was employed, collecting data from 401 participants across various universities in Türkiye. The data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Independent Sample T-Tests, and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The analysis revealed a four-factor structure explaining academics' perceptions: Personal Justification, Social and Professional Interaction, Software Policies and Access, and Experience and Perceived Necessity. The results indicated that the age variable was the demographic variable most consistently associated with piracy perceptions in this sample. Statistically significant differences emerged across all four dimensions based on age groups, with younger academics generally displaying a greater tendency towards justifying piracy. Significant differences were also identified based on gender for the Software Policies and Access factor and on academic position for the Social and Professional Interaction factor. No significant differences were observed based on the academics' primary field of study. Furthermore, a co-occurrence analysis revealed that despite varying perceptions, academics predominantly acquire software through university licenses and open-source channels, while the use of pirated software remained limited.