SECURITY
Report Card: Mexico Corporate Security
August 2010 | AMCHAM & Kroll, Mexico City
An annual survey conducted by Kroll and the American Chamber reveals a
heightened sense of insecurity among business executives at Mexican and multinational corporations. The safety of employees and executives is the most pressing concern for corporate heads of security.
Throughout Mexico there is a heightened sense of insecurity among business executives. The northern states and Mexico City provide the greatest cause for concern about security threats. Nearly 60% of business leaders feel that the economic crisis contributed to an increase in insecurity. Personnel safety remains the primary concern for corporate heads of security. These are some of the conclusions of an extensive survey of Mexican and multinational companies earlier this year.
The Impact of Security on the Corporate Environment is the second annual survey, produced jointly by Kroll and the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico (AMCHAM). Nearly 3,000 questionnaires were sent via email to members of AMCHAM Monterrey, AMCHAM Guadalajara, AMCHAM Mexico City, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Overseas Security Advisory Council. A total of 286 of the questionnaires were completed and returned.
Not surprisingly, the respondents said the states representing the greatest security risks for their operations were in the north of Mexico – Baja California Norte, Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa and Sonora. The 2010 study also highlighted increased concern for security in Mexico City. Other states denoted as high-risk were Tamaupilas, Veracruz, Guererro, Estado de Mexico, Michoacan and Tabasco.
The factors identified as having the greatest impact on the deterioration of the security climate were the strengthening of organized crime and the impunity or lack of effectiveness in the judicial process. Security improvements within the company were seen as the primary factor improving the overall sense of security in some cases. The 2010 survey shows that companies in Mexico dedicate approximately 3% of their operating costs to security. This is in line with the rest of Latin America, though considerably below the United States, where companies typically spend up to 7% on security.
Click on the PDF icon below to download a copy of the Amcham/Kroll survey.
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