Perceived Risk Factors for Cloud-Based Data Storage and Control Systems: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study of Irish and Chinese Companies

Abstract

Close attention has been paid to the impact of data security in international contexts, and the inherent risks generated for international companies. Currently, many international companies are migrating to cloud-based data storage and control solutions. Given this trend, it is important to determine key factors that reduce cloud security risks for these companies, and to understand the extent to which risk profiles differ between national cultures. This study contrasted the cloud-based data risk perceptions of survey respondents from Irish and Chinese companies. Findings identified security as a major perceived risk factor when using cloud storage services in both Irish and Chinese companies, and found no statistically different risk factors between the two groups. This suggested an alignment of cloud risk perceptions between people working in disparate cultures. The paper concludes by considering some cultural and organisational risk factors which potentially influence the adoption of cloud-based data storage and control systems, and outlines some broad implications for systems research, development and international stability.

Keywords: culture, data privacy, data storage, international stability, risk, system security