Integrated Management Systems: The Case of a Penitentiary in the State of Paraíba

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to evaluate how the Procurador Romero Nóbrega Penitentiary, in Patos - PB, has internalized in its administration practices an integrated perspective of its ISO 14001 environmental management, ISO 9001 quality and OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety systems. Theoretical reference: An Integrated Management System (IMS) acts in the interconnection of other systems, aiming to achieve planned management of the execution of services in order to satisfy the internal and external needs of organizations, bringing together information and experiences from different areas in a single environment of work. This integration comprises a tool capable of discovering specific paths to be followed to achieve the desired objectives, in addition to creating an organizational culture of permanent or continuous improvement in its activities. Method: As a methodology, a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach was used to understand how prison management occurs in terms of the incorporation of management systems. Results and conclusion: The study showed that the penitentiary does not comply with the penal executive norm and, with regard to the management system models studied, the unit internally needs investment in its structure, in its human capital and, in the external context, more public policies to achieve sustainable management. Implications of the research: The research is of great relevance to the prison system and the academic world, showing the possibility of making penal units sustainable, aggregating management systems and enhancing the achievement of prison sustainability. Originality/value: Scientific production in Brazil on the implementation of sustainable prisons is incipient, therefore, the research seeks to contribute to helping gaps in the thematic literature, as well as drawing the State's attention to alternatives for the prison system by integrating systems with sustainability goals, respecting environmental, social, economic and human values.