Security Models and Moral Choices: The Human Factor

The intricate interplay of security dynamics within the business environment is pivotal in shaping investments decisions, particularly when influenced by organized crime or common criminal activities, said Jorge Uribe, Commercial Director, Grupo IPS, during his recent presentation titled ‘Security Models and Moral Choices’ at the Mexico Nearshoring Summit 2024. 

Uribe cautioned against oversimplified views of security, noting, "In security, it is challenging to discern where individuals stand on the spectrum of criminality." He highlighted the normalization of rule-breaking in society, resulting in security strategies heavily reliant on armed guards, vaults, fortified structures, or secure vaults to deter violent threats.

However, with the evolution of technology, traditional security measures are becoming obsolete. Companies now face new threats such as strategic information theft, pilferage of equipment, raw material, or finished products, as well as instances of trust abuse, hijacking, and sabotage.

Drawing inspiration from Kantian philosophy, Uribe characterized crime as a series of individual choices, ranging from minor infractions like tax evasion to more serious offenses like money laundering and extortion. "Morality is choosing duty over personal desires," he quoted Kant.

Uribe urged companies to consider both visible and invisible factors contributing to criminal behavior when devising security strategies. Visible factors include corruption, ineffective law enforcement, unenforceable regulations, and organized crime, while invisible factors encompass workplace culture, employee dissatisfaction, lack of early warning systems, and inadequate controls.

“There is currently no foolproof method to detect dishonesty in individuals. Collaborators may lose their integrity and engage in misconduct, posing a risk to operations,” says Uribe.

Furthermore, Uribe highlighted that organizational culture plays a pivotal role in shaping internal criminal behavior. "The desire for acceptance and the pressure to achieve higher earnings can drive individuals towards unethical actions," he noted.

According to the specialist, the potential for self-fulfilling prophecies, where low expectations regarding security personnel lead to insufficient investments in training or compensation, resulting in subpar security services.

"Investing in advanced security systems without addressing the human element is futile. A holistic approach is essential, where every aspect of security receives due attention," concluded Uribe.