Psychology Solution
CMY3702
October examination and
ANSWERS
Achieved 89%
1
, Question 2. Clarify and describe the structure of organised crime. (10)
1. Introduction
Organised groups tend to have a hierarchy, where each member has a specific role
description. The structure has limited membership and members have to adhere to
secrecy. In South Africa, the structure of organised crime is as follow:
2. Structure of organised crime:
2.1 A loose association of people
Research finding indicate that organised crime groups consists of a loose
association of people, including public and private officials. There is a close
cooperation between criminal groups and the economic sector, criminal groups tend
to involve legitimate businesses in both their legal and illegal activities. Research
suggest that organised crime should not be viewed as an exclusive entity, as the
activities of the group have an effect on all levels of society. The criminal group has
association with people who are deemed socially acceptable, as well as with the
‘underworld’, broadening the context where their illicit goods and services can be
distributed.
2.2 A complex and adaptable structure
There tend to be many opportunities for organised crime groups to distribute their
illicit goods and services, due to their activities being conducted on a large scale
and easily adaptable. Organised crime groups tend to keep up with technology, and
use the technology to sell pornography of to manipulate the share market.
2.3 A business structure
Organised crime groups tend to have a business structure, as they need a basis
where customers can have access to their illegal services and goods.
2.4 Workers within the structure
Organised crime syndicates require diverse workers, both profession and unskilled.
For example, the group needs entrepreneurs who can purchase illegal goods and
arrange the distribution of these goods, they need dealers who can transport the
illegal goods. Furthermore, they need importers and wholesalers who can make the
illegal goods available to the retailers, who then sell the illegal goods to the
customers.
2
CMY3702
October examination and
ANSWERS
Achieved 89%
1
, Question 2. Clarify and describe the structure of organised crime. (10)
1. Introduction
Organised groups tend to have a hierarchy, where each member has a specific role
description. The structure has limited membership and members have to adhere to
secrecy. In South Africa, the structure of organised crime is as follow:
2. Structure of organised crime:
2.1 A loose association of people
Research finding indicate that organised crime groups consists of a loose
association of people, including public and private officials. There is a close
cooperation between criminal groups and the economic sector, criminal groups tend
to involve legitimate businesses in both their legal and illegal activities. Research
suggest that organised crime should not be viewed as an exclusive entity, as the
activities of the group have an effect on all levels of society. The criminal group has
association with people who are deemed socially acceptable, as well as with the
‘underworld’, broadening the context where their illicit goods and services can be
distributed.
2.2 A complex and adaptable structure
There tend to be many opportunities for organised crime groups to distribute their
illicit goods and services, due to their activities being conducted on a large scale
and easily adaptable. Organised crime groups tend to keep up with technology, and
use the technology to sell pornography of to manipulate the share market.
2.3 A business structure
Organised crime groups tend to have a business structure, as they need a basis
where customers can have access to their illegal services and goods.
2.4 Workers within the structure
Organised crime syndicates require diverse workers, both profession and unskilled.
For example, the group needs entrepreneurs who can purchase illegal goods and
arrange the distribution of these goods, they need dealers who can transport the
illegal goods. Furthermore, they need importers and wholesalers who can make the
illegal goods available to the retailers, who then sell the illegal goods to the
customers.
2
