Work

The growth and regulation of the private security industry in India and South Africa

Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The lack of scientific research covering the factors contributing to the growth and regulation of the private security industry (PSI) in India and South Africa gave rise to the study. The study used qualitative research methods, a case study design and documentary analysis techniques, including personal interviews supported by a qualitative questionnaire and e-mailing the questionnaires to participants, to achieve the purpose and objectives of the study. The researcher interviewed seven participants from India personally and eight responded to the qualitative questionnaire sent by e-mail. The researcher conducted eight one-on-one interviews with South African participants and eleven members responded to the qualitative questionnaire sent by e-mail. The researcher carried out a pilot study to identify any shortcomings in the qualitative questionnaire. The study examined various theories on regulations and regulatory frameworks and considered the theoretical aspects of regulating the private security industry. \nThis study confirmed that private security is growing at a rapid pace in India and South Africa, and the common factors encouraging growth include socio-economic factors like rapid growth and infrastructure, increasing urbanisation, growth of the middle class, poverty and unemployment, illegal immigration, growth in private property and increase in personal wealth. Indian participants especially, felt strongly that an increase in terror attacks is a key factor contributing to the rapid growth of the PSI, whilst South African participants confirmed, a fear of political violence and being scared of civil unrest were reasons for the increased presence of the PSI in the country. The participants corroborated that statutory-based legislation imposed by the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005 and the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 2001 is not wholly effective in regulating the PSI in India.
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3133200185
Cites: 114
Cited by:
Related to: 10