Security Officer Training Philosophy - Assignment Example

Security Officer Training Philosophy Security Officer Training Philosophy Introduction A security officer ensures protection of people and their assets. Security officers can be employed in private or public organizations. They undergo training to ensure perfection, for a specified period where they are physically and psychologically tested for their job description (Fennelly 2012). Philosophy has facilitated the study of personal behaviors that affect the quality of work output. It is the study of ideas related to knowledge, meaning and nature of life. It has been classified into other sub-genres such as epistemology, metaphysics, logic, and ethics among others that help in the understanding of human culture and relations. Most security guards are issued with duties that entail protection of lives hence training helps in endurance and tolerance of the officer is highly proposed. Various philosophy theories and principles explain the training approaches for security guards among other workers. Philosophers have recommended different methods of training workers depending on their job descriptions. Training should be handled differently because workers are entitled to different duties that require various levels of mental and physical perseverance (Wang and King 2009). Various aspects have put into consideration prior to the training exercise is started. They include the goals that have been put in place, the age and class level of the workers, the availability of resources, training budgets and the time allocated for training. Researchers have recommended the use of principles of philosophy because there is a difference between adult and child training exercises. Theories such as behavioral, positivism and constructivism can be used in the training format for security guards based on purpose. Behaviorism There are several scholars who come contributed to this theory hence leading various definitions. However, all meanings are based on the understanding of human behavior and its impact on different lifestyles. Based on psychology, a science of behavior, scholars have come up with various studies to help them understand how humans are able to relate considering their different behavioral changes. Philosophers such as John Watson have provided examples on how behaviorism can be understood by simplifying its complex principles. He believes that behaviors can be changed, measured and trained according to different tastes and preferences. The prevailing principle in his theories is ‘conditioning’. He states that conditioning can be used to change the different social behaviors to help them fit various conditions. Primarily, conditioning ensures survival through change of behavior. In his book, he has given examples of how workers can be trained to shape them into specialized workers leading to an increase in quality and quantity of the outputs. He recommends that behaviors should be observed systematically to increase the information gathered. In most cases, thorough observation helps in the understanding of a persons internal state of mind that is referred to as the ‘core’ of behavioral changes. The theory consists of three principles (the purpose, teacher and learner) that work together to provide the expected results (Watson 2011). There has to be the purpose of learning and an analysis of expected results. The potential guard has to have his/her own reasons for attending the training sessions and should put into consideration the companys goals and objectives. A security has to balance his goals with those of the company so that all parties benefit from the relationship. The teacher is also known as the trainer and he/she offers skills to the potential workers. He/she should create an environment where only the right behaviors are taught to the trainees. Control and managerial skills should also be part of the teachers requirements to help in the management of the trainees. The learner or student who in this case is a security guard should be ready to learn new things. He/she should participate in learning and practicing new behavior. The guards should also be ready for feedback from the teachers and make the recommended changes. Training procedures should involve the study of different behaviors that accrue to the potential security guards. Before the training, trainers should put various principles into consideration because different situations have specific approach styles (Wang and King 2009). The security guards should be put into tests and their responses observed. Watson refers to this as classical conditioning. Observation of the responses will be used to foretell how they will be able to respond to real life situations. Security guards encounter various situations such as robbery with violence, kidnapping and shootouts with thieves (Fennelly 2012). They have to be prepared for these situations psychologically hence preventing them from giving up. A potential guard develops a different response based on his/her behavior and attitude towards the job description. Conditioned stimulus leads to a conditioned response. As a result, trainers have to systematically choose the training programs. Some training plans do not put into consideration mental fitness that is the main principle in behaviorism. Adult training has different approaches compared to child training plans. Adults are able to tolerate harsh conditions unlike children who are bound to give up if pushed to the limits. Modern behavioral analysis has shown different trends in how individuals are reacting to situations. The trends have been caused by changes in lifestyles, self-awareness and the advancements in technology. Training methods have also been simplified due to the adoption of technology. Repetition is recommended in the training exercises for security guards since it has been proven to help in providing constant responses. Most training exercises can last for periods of three months to one year. Over these sessions, the guards undergo the same training routines leading to self- confidence. After evaluation and monitoring of self behaviors, the workers are able to adapt to the new environments and change their psychological overview of the training process (Watson 2008). Behavioral changes should begin from the workers. They should not be forced since studies have shown that a person who is resistant to change can never adjust despite the used approaches. Operant conditioning or instrumental conditioning is a different approach on how behavioral changes can be developed (Watson 2008). It explains why training procedures especially for security workers have embraced punishments to trainees who do not follow the set rules and regulations. When a potential security guard joins a training facility, he/she gets into a contract with the facility and has to heed to the terms and conditions lest he/she be cast out of the program. However, only the mentally and physically strong undergo these training sessions. They are trained in the field on ways of combat and attack in case of a threat and mentally through lectures. Lecture sessions are used to help in understanding the theoretical section of the training exercise. They are used to cause awareness of different behaviors and attitudes and the impacts of their responses. The consequences of behavioral changes are viewed in both personal and public perspectives (Watson 2011). For example, a mentally sick security guard may perform an action that creates a bad reputation for the company he/she is an employee. Modern organizations uphold reputation since it helps in the attraction of more customers leading to profit maximization. Strengths of Behaviorism The training process can be divided into various sections that can be used in collecting data during researches. Personal behaviors can be easily identified while training and the guards can be issued with recommended changing plans. In cases of behavioral disorders, the workers can undergo mentorship programs where mentors can help them change their behaviors. Rewards and tokens can be used to propose a change in most guards during the training sessions. Behaviorism also helps in the causing of self-awareness where an individual can understand his/her behaviors and the impacts they can cause to the society (Weiner 2003). Conclusion Behaviorism has been an influential force in modern day activities (Weiner 2003). Philosophy scholars have facilitated the understanding of behaviorism with reference to the society through books and researches. Understanding of basic behavioral principles has assisted in modern day training formats for security guards leading to competent workers. Finally, behaviorism has played a significant role in the survival of individuals by using the right conditioning methods. References Fennelly, L. J. (2012). Effective physical security (4th ed.). S.l.: Butterworth-Heinemann. Wang, V. C., & King, K. P. (2009). Fundamentals of human performance and training. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Pub.. Watson, J. (2011). Psychology from the Standpoint of a Behaviorist. Charleston: BiblioBazaar. Watson, J. B. (2008). Behaviorism. Tucson, Ariz.?: [West Press]. Weiner, I. B. (2003). Handbook of psychology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Read More