“Patron–client networks
Edit
Patron–client networks are defined by fluid interactions. They produce crime groups that operate as smaller units within the overall network, and as such tend towards valuing significant others, familiarity of social and economic environments, or tradition. These networks are usually composed of:
Hierarchies based on 'naturally' forming family, social and cultural traditions;
'Tight-knit' focus of activity/labor;
Fraternal or nepotistic value systems;
Personalized activity; including family rivalries, territorial disputes, recruitment and training of family members, etc.;
Entrenched belief systems, reliance of tradition (including religion, family values, cultural expectations, class politics, gender roles, etc.); and,
Communication and rule enforcement mechanisms dependent on organizational structure, social etiquette, history of criminal involvement, and collective decision-making.[18][19][20][21][22]
Bureaucratic/corporate operations
Edit
Bureaucratic/corporate organized crime groups are defined by the general rigidity of their internal structures. They focus more on how the operations works, succeeds, sustains itself or avoids retribution, they are generally typified by:
A complex authority structure;
An extensive division of labor between classes within the organization;
Meritocratic (as opposed to cultural or social attributes);
Responsibilities carried out in an impersonal manner;
Extensive written rules/regulations (as opposed to cultural praxis dictating action); and,
'Top-down' communication and rule enforcement mechanisms.
However, this model of operation has some flaws:
The 'top-down' communication strategy is susceptible to interception, more so further down the hierarchy being communicated to;
Maintaining written records jeopardizes the security of the organization and relies on increased security measures;
Infiltration at lower levels in the hierarchy can jeopardize the entire organization (a 'house of cards' effect); and,
Death, injury, incarceration or internal power struggles dramatically heighten the insecurity of operations.
While bureaucratic operations emphasize business processes and strongly authoritarian hierarchies, these are based on enforcing power relationships rather than an overlying aim of protectionism, sustainability or growth.” “Model type Environment Group Processes Impacts
National Historical or cultural basis Family or hierarchy Secrecy/bonds. Links to insurgents Local corruption/influence. Fearful community.
Transnational Politically and economically unstable Vertical integration Legitimate cover Stable supply of illicit goods. High-level corruption.
Transnational/transactional Any Flexible. Small size. Violent. Opportunistic. Risk taking Unstable supply of range of illicit goods. Exploits young local offenders.
Entrepreneurial/transactional Developed/high technology regions Individuals or pairs. Operating through legitimate enterprise Provision of illicit services, e.g., money laundering, fraud, criminal networks.”
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support
