مفهوم اقتصاد سایه ای دیجیتال
Abstract
1-Introduction
2-Digital shadow activity related terms and interpretations
3-The methodology of the empirical research
4-The results of the empirical research
5-Conclusions
References
Abstract
The article covers a new topic in the sphere of digital shadow economy – consumers’ attitudes towards this phenomenon. Increasing transfer of transactions to electronic space determines the growth of the number of illegal digital operators and promotes consumers’ involvement in digital shadow trade. Scientific literature does not contain any universal definition of digital shadow economy. Hence, the variety of terms, interpretations and features relevant to this phenomenon is rather wide, which determines the necessity to define the precise concept of digital shadow economy from the point of view of consumers as active participants in this field. This article is aimed at definition of the concept of digital shadow economy from consumers’ position and identification of the measures would discourage potential consumers from participation in digital shadow economy. To increase the size of the survey sample, the method of “snowball” was engaged. The results of the research have revealed that consumers are inclined to distinguish criminal activities (drugs, prostitution, credential steals, etc.) from illegal economic activities, which also violate established legal norms and regulations. The participants of the survey perceive that the activities of digital shadow economy are performed exceptionally in electronic space without official registration of business and evading tax payment. Participation in digital shadow economy is voluntary and mutually beneficial to both transaction parties (a trader and a consumer). With reference to the results of consumers’ evaluation, definition of digital shadow activities as illegal ones, development of the efficient legal framework, containing clearly established criminal and/or administrative responsibility for a consumer as a party of digital shadow transaction, public announcement and availability of the information on illegal e-traders in e-space, availability of appropriate protection software, more intensive supervision and control, establishment of e-police department and assurance of the sufficient number of supervising officers can be considered the most efficient measures of digital shadow economy prevention.
Introduction
With reference to Petrovic – Lazarevic and Sohal (2004), e-business, which refers to the transactions conducted over computer networks, has been of considerable interest to practitioners and researchers primarily because of its influence on digital market participants. Removing numerous barriers (e.g. geographical, complex transaction, complicated payment, etc.) and ensuring the variety and availability of products and services on offer, an explosive growth of online business has provided a wealth of opportunities for consumers to become participants of digital shadow economy, i.e. obtain items and services from illegally operating online entrepreneurs (Dobson et al. 2015). Numerous social drivers such as the contrast between personal and corporate or low level of public selfconsciousness determine social acceptability of online purchases without making sure whether a supplier operates with complete legality or even realising the offensive nature of the activities. Thus far, the studies on the topic of digital shadow consumption have basically covered the analysis of the particular forms (e-fraud – Gregg, Scott, 2006; Blackledge, Coyle, 2010; Akintoye, Araoye, 2011; Vlachos et. al. 2011; Amasiatu and Shah, 2014 and others; digital piracy – Hill, 2007; Higgins, 2007; Williams et. al., 2010; Belleflamme, Peitz, 2010; Yoon, 2011; Camarero et. al.2014; Vida et. al. 2012; Taylor, 2012; Yu et. al., 2015 and others or social determinants (contrast between personal and corporate – Calluzzo, Cante, 2004; Shang et al., 2008; Williams et al., 2010; low level of public self-consciousness – Amasiatu, Shah, 2014; social bonding – Higgins et al. 2008; Yu et al., 2015; relativism – Arli et al., 2015) of this phenomenon. However, the concept of digital shadow economy from consumers’ point of view has hardly been researched. The research of consumers’ attitudes towards digital shadow economy is scientifically significant due to several reasons.