Social Bond Theory

Acronym

SBT

Alternate name(s)

Social Control Theory

Main dependent construct(s)/factor(s)

Urge to indulge in antisocial or anti-establishment or deviant behaviors

Main independent construct(s)/factor(s)

Attachment, involvement, commitment and personal norms

Concise description of theory

SBT is basically a theory from criminology literature proposed by Hirschi in 1969. SBT describes the social ties an individual has with his group. It says that though a person is naturally inclined towards crime, people with stronger social ties are less interested to indulge in any antisocial or deviant behavior. Four different types of social bonds were defined by Hirschi that ensure socialization i.e. attachment, commitment, involvement and personal norms. Attachment refers to a person’s interest in his/ her social surroundings. Commitment refers to a person’s subjective notion and commitment towards socially accepted goals. Involvement deals with individual’s dealing with conventional activities like family, work, social gatherings. Finally individual with strong personal norms and value systems are less likely to engage in any deviant behavior.

Diagram/schematic of theory

N/A

Originating author(s)

Travis Warner Hirschi(1969)

Originating area

Criminology

Level of analysis

Individual

Links from this theory to other theories

N/A

IS articles that use the theory

Cheng, L., Li, Y., Li, W., Holm, E., & Zhai, Q. (2013). Understanding the violation of IS security policy in organizations: An integrated model based on social control and deterrence theory. Computers & Security, 39, 447-459.

Theoharidou, M., Kokolakis, S., Karyda, M., & Kiountouzis, E. (2005). The insider threat to information systems and the effectiveness of ISO17799. Computers & Security, 24(6), 472-484.

Ifinedo, P. (2014). Information systems security policy compliance: An empirical study of the effects of socialisation, influence, and cognition. Information & Management, 51(1), 69-79

Contributor(s)

Monalisa Mahapatra