Leadership Styles and Information Security in Small Businesses

1 Introduction Globalization and increased reliance on the internet has forced many organizations to rely on computer and networking technology for the storage of valuable company and personal information (Easttom, 2006). Many small businesses have embraced internet technologies to reach out to their customers, partners, and employees from around the world (Day, 2003). Proliferation of online activity and e-commerce has attracted the attention of existing criminal organizations and a new breed of cybercriminals (Gupta & Hammond, 2005). Cybercriminals engage in online attacks that exploit vulnerabilities and deficiencies within the cyber defenses of organizations (Szor, 2005). Because of size, resource, and skill constraints, small businesses are often ill-prepared to combat the emerging threats of cybercrime (Ryan, 2000). Small business owners and key employees with effective leadership styles can help prioritize actions needed to combat cybercrime and mitigate information security concerns (Northouse, 2004). Conversely, ineffective leadership styles can lead to passive or reactive measures against cybercrime, which can lead to business damages and losses (Gupta & Hammond, 2005). The first purpose of this quantitative, descriptive, correlational research study was to investigate leadership styles and assess the level of concern towards information security problems within small businesses that belong to various chambers of commerce or trade associations within the state of Hawaii. The second purpose of this study was to determine the degree of a possible relationship between leadership styles and the level of concern towards information security problems within small businesses. 2 Background of the Problem