Theories in online information privacy research: A critical review and an integrated framework

To study the formation of online consumers' information privacy concern and its effect, scholars from different perspectives applied multiple theories in research. To date, there has yet to be a systematic review and integration of the theories in literature. To fill the gap, this study reviews fifteen established theories in online information privacy research and recognizes the primary contributions and connections of the theories. Based on the review, an integrated framework is developed for further research. The framework highlights two interrelated trade-offs that influence an individual's information disclosure behavior: the privacy calculus (i.e., the trade-off between expected benefits and privacy risks) and the risk calculus (i.e., the trade-off between privacy risks and efficacy of coping mechanisms). These two trade-offs are together called the dual-calculus model. A decision table based on the dual-calculus model is provided to predict an individual's intention to disclose personal information online. Implications of the study for further research and practice are discussed.

► This study reports a review on fifteen theories in online information privacy research.
► An integrated theoretical framework is proposed from the fifteen theories.
► Two interrelated tradeoffs are recognized.
► The risk calculus is proposed for future research.
► A decision table based on the two tradeoffs is further provided.