Overemphasis on institutional security

Nature

Overemphasis on institutional security refers to the excessive prioritization of safety measures within organizations, often at the expense of individual rights, innovation, and community engagement. This focus can lead to a culture of fear, stifling open communication and collaboration. Institutions may implement stringent policies and surveillance practices that undermine trust and morale among employees and stakeholders. While security is essential, an imbalance can result in alienation, reduced creativity, and a lack of responsiveness to genuine concerns. Ultimately, this problem highlights the need for a balanced approach that safeguards security while fostering a healthy, inclusive environment.

Incidence

A 2022 survey by the International Civil Society Centre found that 68% of NGOs in 40 countries reported increased allocation of resources to institutional security measures, often at the expense of programmatic work. In the corporate sector, a 2021 Deloitte report noted that 54% of global organizations prioritized internal risk management and compliance over innovation or stakeholder engagement, particularly in regions experiencing political instability.
A notable example occurred in 2019 at Hong Kong’s universities, where heightened focus on institutional security during protests led to restricted campus access and surveillance, significantly disrupting academic activities and student support services.

Claim

Social organizations and institutions - school, family, corporation, etc. – are all restricted by being based on (and emphasizing) narrow images of personal and institutional security. This traps people into thinking that all relationships should avoid stress, conflict and risk.

Counter-claim

The overemphasis on institutional security is a misguided distraction from pressing societal issues. Focusing excessively on security measures fosters a culture of fear and paranoia, diverting resources from education, healthcare, and community development. Instead of prioritizing safety protocols that often infringe on personal freedoms, we should champion innovation and collaboration. True progress lies in addressing the root causes of insecurity, not in building walls that stifle growth and connection. Let’s shift our focus to what truly matters.