The Impact of Leadership Style and other Organizational Mechanisms influencing Awareness, Motivation and Capability towards Information Security Policy Compliance

Abstract

As cybersecurity is also dependent on the human factor, compliance with information security policy compliance is of paramount importance for organizations. To be compliant with information security policies employees need awareness, motivation and capability regarding these policies. This research identifies the organizational mechanisms that influence awareness, motivation and capability, as well as the effect of transactional leadership style and transformational leadership style. Case study research was conducted in a Dutch IT company, which is a SME with multiple subsidiaries spread over multiple locations. The outcome of the research is the effect of role values, deterrence, organizational support, rewards, SETA and leadership style on the factors of awareness, motivation and capability. Also, the effect of leadership style on role values, deterrence, organizational support, rewards and SETA is included in the results. This research gives insight into which focus points should be addressed in the quest for information security policy compliance.

Date of Award	7 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Khoi Nguyen (Examiner) & Tim Huygh (Co-assessor)