Job Satisfaction, Commitment, and Retention of Border Security Forces: Insights from the India-Pakistan Border at Amritsar

This study examines the linkages between bureaucratic structures, moral decision-making, and emotional experiences of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed at the Amritsar border between India and Pakistan. Drawing on sociological perspectives of bureaucracy and emotion work, this research investigates how BSF personnel navigate the demands of rigid institutional protocols, personal moral judgments, and the emotional challenges inherent in their roles. Through in-depth interviews with BSF personnel, coupled with ethnographic observations, the study aims to answer several key questions: How do organizational factors, such as the BSF's culture and structure, influence personnel's job satisfaction and commitment? What role do moral emotions and ethical decision-making play in the retention and attrition of BSF personnel? How do personnel cope with the emotional labor demanded by their roles, and what is the impact on their well-being and job retention? Preliminary findings suggest that the BSF's strong organizational culture significantly shapes personnel's attitudes and commitment. However, the emotional demands of the job, the liminal status of the organization between military and police, and the moral dilemmas faced in the course of duty can lead to stress, burnout, and attrition. Building trust with local residents emerges as crucial for effective border management and personnel's job satisfaction. Yet, formal protocols and the need to "see like a state" strains these relationships. The study examines the gendered dimensions of border security work and their implications for personnel's experiences and retention. By providing insights into the factors influencing the job satisfaction, commitment, and retention of BSF personnel at the Amritsar border, this research aims to inform policies and practices to support the well-being and effectiveness of security forces tasked with managing complex border dynamics. The findings contribute to understanding the human dimensions of border security and the challenges faced by those on the frontlines of geopolitical tensions.