Management theory of citizen security (TEOGESCI). A case study in the Bolivarian National Guard

Abstract

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is grappling with a profound security crisis, characterized by institutional distrust and a lack of effective public policies. In this environment, promoting citizen participation and efficient management is vital to strengthening the relationship between the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela (GNBV) and the community. The study's purpose is to develop a comprehensive theoretical model for effective citizen security management within the GNBV, aiming to align its operational functions with constitutional requirements and public expectations. The research was conceived under an interpretive paradigm and a qualitative approach, utilizing the Grounded Theory methodology by Strauss and Corbin (2002). Fieldwork involved key informants from the GNBV and the citizen security sector in Coro, Falcón. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Data analysis, conducted through open, axial, and selective coding, allowed categories to emerge directly from the lived reality. As a result, the Theory for Citizen Security Management (TEOGESCI) was generated. Its primary emerging categories are: Interinstitutional Functions, Coexistence of Elements, Managerial Action, the Institution as a Managerial Body for Order and Security, and Norms, Order, and Laws. These categories form a complex study, interpreted and supported by the triangulation of informant voices, recent academic literature, and the Venezuelan context. TEOGESCI aims to professionalize security forces and foster an inclusive, public service-oriented culture of citizen security. The findings reveal that active citizen participation and effective governance are essential for successful security practices, demanding a shift in the relationship between the GNBV and society. It's evident that current management often lacks community connection, leading to distrust. Therefore, TEOGESCI stands as an indispensable starting point for future practices, guiding the GNBV towards an approach that prioritizes citizen rights and professionalization to achieve lasting social peace.