Security guarding : a competency model

Abstract

This article reports on the findings of a qualitative interpretive study in which a competency framework was designed that would identify high-performing security officers in a small to medium Gauteng-based security company. Data were gathered through Repertory Grid and Behavioural Event interviews with eight subject matter experts, including five top-performing security officers, two managers and a client of the security company's. Disciplinary records were further scrutinised to add rigour to the data. Grounded-theory data analysis elicited nine competencies essential to success and efficiency in the role of a security officer. The nine competencies elicited were personal hygiene and general appearance, vigilance, integrity, language proficiency, teamwork, specialist knowledge, personal motivation, conscientiousness and interpersonal relationships.