Article Abstract:
International Business Machines Corp. is working on software that enables a computer user to click on an onscreen button and establish a video and voice link over the Internet to an insurance agent. The software would also allow the consumer and agent to see and work on the same document. The advantage of an Internet connection is that it requires only a local phone call instead of a long-distance call. An IBM survey showed that electronic commerce is becoming a significant factor for the insurance business.
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Article Abstract:
The insurance industry has significantly boosted its employment of women and non-whites since affirmative action programs took hold in the 1970s. The percentages of women, African Americans and Hispanic Americans in the insurance workforce continued to rise between 1990 and 1995, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, managerial jobs largely remain the province of white men, according to a 1996 survey of 44,000 insurance agencies by the Independent Insurance Agents of America.
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Article Abstract:
Cynthia Davidson, author of "The Market Conduct Handbook for Agents - How to Sell Insurance Ethically and Comply with the Law," says many insurance agents mistakenly believe ethical and professional issues are only the responsibility of company management. She says agents have an important part in market conduct. The most common violation by agents is to abridge their fiduciary responsibilities. State investigations, agent compensation structure and other topics are discussed.
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