A model for establishing a quality culture in a major private security company

With the increasing emphasis on safety and security over the past few years, the crucial role of private security cannot be underestimated. Private security aids public policing and the military forces in combating the growing occurrence of crime and terrorism, especially in the Western world. Despite its crucial role, private security is a neglected area of investigation, especially in the South African context. The aim of this paper is not only to reflect on the multitude of research on organisational culture and quality (TQM), but to propose a model for implementing this in a major private security company. By using the three-level typology of Schein (1992) as conceptual framework, and by examining one of South Africa's largest security companies, the author is able to suggest a model for the establishment of a quality culture in the organisation.