Este trabalho objetiva analisar o papel da distribuição de seguros por bancos (bancassurance) no mercado segurador brasileiro. A união dos dois mercados se deu a partir de 1967, quando toda a cobrança relativa a seguros passou a ser obrigatoriamente executada através da rede bancária, proporcionando a estes uma farta captação de recursos para a atividade principal da instituição: a concessão de crédito. A partir de então, o movimento de convergência entre os dois negócios só aumentou, através de fusões e aquisições de bancos e seguradoras, com marcos históricos importantes, como a constituição de 1988 que estabeleceu a vinculação do setor securitário ao Sistema Financeiro Nacional, ao lado das instituições bancárias. Atualmente, a atratividade da venda de seguros para os bancos continua muito grande. Com a concessão de crédito já tendo atingido um grande patamar junto ao público bancarizado, os bancos estão buscando a ampliação de suas receitas através de outros produtos e serviços. Dentre eles, seguros ocupa lugar de destaque. Para a execução da pesquisa, foram analisados indicadores econômicos, financeiros e sociais de diversos órgãos que aglutinam e estratificam dados sobre o mercado securitário e bancário nacional e internacional. Além disso, foram abordados marcos teóricos relativos à estratégia empresarial e competitiva, bem como a crescente participação dos bancos no mercado segurador. Por fim, foram expostos resultados qualitativos obtidos através das entrevistas, onde foi discutida a aplicação prática das decisões estratégicas que norteiam as posicionamentos das empresas envolvidas neste mercado, além das diferenças entre as formas de distribuição de seguros no mercado brasileiro. Apoiado pelo fenômeno da bancarização e na capilaridade da rede bancária, o bancassurance tem relevante papel na massificação de seguros junto à população. Como efeito, este mercado apresenta crescimento superior ao observado na economia brasileira, passando de uma participação inferior a 2% em 1994 para mais de 5% do Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) no início da presente década. A decisão da instituição financeira pela venda de seguros passa pela estratégia de diversificação do portfólio de produtos, com o objetivo de cobrir os seus custos através de produtos e serviços complementares à intermediação financeira, havendo diferenças entre bancos proprietários de seguradoras e bancos que realizam parcerias com seguradoras terceiras atuando apenas na distribuição. Um ponto fundamental do bancassurance é a proteção do patrimônio dos clientes, evitando a retirada de recursos da instituição financeira para a reposição do bem sinistrado, e a fidelização de clientes no longo prazo. / This paper aims to analyze the role of the distribution of insurance by banks (bancassurance) in the Brazilian insurance market. The union of the two markets occurred after 1967, when the entire collection related to insurances started to be done, mandatorily, through the banking network, thereby providing a rich fundraising for the institution's main activity: lending. Since then, convergence movement between the two businesses only grew through mergers and acquisitions of banks and insurance companies, with major historical milestones, such as the 1988 constitution that established the linkage of the insurance industry to the nation’s financial system, along with banking institutions. Currently, the attractiveness of selling insurance for banks remains very high. With the extension of credit already reached a great level with the bank going public, banks are seeking to expand their revenue through other products and services. Among them, insurances occupy a leading place. To carry out the research, we analyzed the economic, financial and social indicators of various bodies that bind and stratify data on the insurance and bank market national and international. Moreover, theoretical frameworks were addressed relating to business and competitive strategy, as well as the increasing participation of banks in the insurance market. Finally, qualitative results obtained from the interviews were exposed, where they discussed the practical application of strategic decisions that guide the positioning of the companies involved in this market, and the differences between the types of insurance distribution in the Brazilian market. Backed by the phenomenon that is banking and the stratification of the banking network, the bancassurance has a relevant role in the popularization of insurance among the population. In effect, this market presents a superior growth in comparison to the Brazilian economy, starting with participation percentage of less than 2% in 1994 to more than 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the beginning of this decade. The decision by the financial institution to start selling insurance goes through the strategy of diversifying product portfolio, in order to cover its costs through products and services that are complementary to financial intermediation, when having differences between banks that own insurances companies and banks that have partnerships with insurance companies acting only in distribution. A key point of bancassurance is the protection of client’s assets, avoiding the withdrawal of funds from the financial institution for the replacement of a lost asset as well, and maintaining customer loyalty in the long run.

Este trabalho objetiva analisar o papel da distribuição de seguros por bancos (bancassurance) no mercado segurador brasileiro. A união dos dois mercados se deu a partir de 1967, quando toda a cobrança relativa a seguros passou a ser obrigatoriamente executada através da rede bancária, proporcionando a estes uma farta captação de recursos para a atividade principal da instituição: a concessão de crédito. A partir de então, o movimento de convergência entre os dois negócios só aumentou, através de fusões e aquisições de bancos e seguradoras, com marcos históricos importantes, como a constituição de 1988 que estabeleceu a vinculação do setor securitário ao Sistema Financeiro Nacional, ao lado das instituições bancárias. Atualmente, a atratividade da venda de seguros para os bancos continua muito grande. Com a concessão de crédito já tendo atingido um grande patamar junto ao público bancarizado, os bancos estão buscando a ampliação de suas receitas através de outros produtos e serviços. Dentre eles, seguros ocupa lugar de destaque. Para a execução da pesquisa, foram analisados indicadores econômicos, financeiros e sociais de diversos órgãos que aglutinam e estratificam dados sobre o mercado securitário e bancário nacional e internacional. Além disso, foram abordados marcos teóricos relativos à estratégia empresarial e competitiva, bem como a crescente participação dos bancos no mercado segurador. Por fim, foram expostos resultados qualitativos obtidos através das entrevistas, onde foi discutida a aplicação prática das decisões estratégicas que norteiam as posicionamentos das empresas envolvidas neste mercado, além das diferenças entre as formas de distribuição de seguros no mercado brasileiro. Apoiado pelo fenômeno da bancarização e na capilaridade da rede bancária, o bancassurance tem relevante papel na massificação de seguros junto à população. Como efeito, este mercado apresenta crescimento superior ao observado na economia brasileira, passando de uma participação inferior a 2% em 1994 para mais de 5% do Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) no início da presente década. A decisão da instituição financeira pela venda de seguros passa pela estratégia de diversificação do portfólio de produtos, com o objetivo de cobrir os seus custos através de produtos e serviços complementares à intermediação financeira, havendo diferenças entre bancos proprietários de seguradoras e bancos que realizam parcerias com seguradoras terceiras atuando apenas na distribuição. Um ponto fundamental do bancassurance é a proteção do patrimônio dos clientes, evitando a retirada de recursos da instituição financeira para a reposição do bem sinistrado, e a fidelização de clientes no longo prazo. / This paper aims to analyze the role of the distribution of insurance by banks (bancassurance) in the Brazilian insurance market. The union of the two markets occurred after 1967, when the entire collection related to insurances started to be done, mandatorily, through the banking network, thereby providing a rich fundraising for the institution's main activity: lending. Since then, convergence movement between the two businesses only grew through mergers and acquisitions of banks and insurance companies, with major historical milestones, such as the 1988 constitution that established the linkage of the insurance industry to the nation’s financial system, along with banking institutions. Currently, the attractiveness of selling insurance for banks remains very high. With the extension of credit already reached a great level with the bank going public, banks are seeking to expand their revenue through other products and services. Among them, insurances occupy a leading place. To carry out the research, we analyzed the economic, financial and social indicators of various bodies that bind and stratify data on the insurance and bank market national and international. Moreover, theoretical frameworks were addressed relating to business and competitive strategy, as well as the increasing participation of banks in the insurance market. Finally, qualitative results obtained from the interviews were exposed, where they discussed the practical application of strategic decisions that guide the positioning of the companies involved in this market, and the differences between the types of insurance distribution in the Brazilian market. Backed by the phenomenon that is banking and the stratification of the banking network, the bancassurance has a relevant role in the popularization of insurance among the population. In effect, this market presents a superior growth in comparison to the Brazilian economy, starting with participation percentage of less than 2% in 1994 to more than 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the beginning of this decade. The decision by the financial institution to start selling insurance goes through the strategy of diversifying product portfolio, in order to cover its costs through products and services that are complementary to financial intermediation, when having differences between banks that own insurances companies and banks that have partnerships with insurance companies acting only in distribution. A key point of bancassurance is the protection of client’s assets, avoiding the withdrawal of funds from the financial institution for the replacement of a lost asset as well, and maintaining customer loyalty in the long run.

M.A. (Information Science) / As organisations exist in the constantly overwhelming information age, more emphasis is put on information as resource and the economic value it has in the organisation. The South African life insurance industry is no different from other organisations and deals with a vast number ofinformation that flows through these organisations daily. In this study, the role of information, the management of information and the existence and implementation of an information policy are examined. The appointment of an information manager to manage information is also examined. The study was done to determine the level of importance and value of information in this type of industry and whether the South African insurance industry has identified information as a valuable resource in the organisation. Information as resource and the management thereof as competitive advantage is studied. The research methods applied were to carry out a literature study on information and its role as resource in an organisation, the roles and responsibilities of an information manager and the advantage and implementation of an information policy in the organisation. A questionnaire was compiled and sent to all the major South African life insurance companies to determine the above aspects and the current status in this industry.

The study has sought to examine knowledge management practice in the Old Mutual, Buffalo City Metropole. The study has been conducted against the backdrop of measuring how far South African companies are in applying Knowledge Management (KM) tools and techniques to improve their competitive advantage. The study was conducted based on the assumption that insurance companies in South Africa are at the forefront in the use and application of technology. Various concepts are defined throughout the study. In reviewing literature for example, the study introduces the reader to various theories, views and approaches to KM. The most significant of these are the cultural and social systems approach on one hand and the product or process approach on the other. The study relied on the use of a variety of data collection methods such as questionnaires, interviews and participant observation for the purposes of collecting primary data. From the primary data collected, it was discovered that the largest number of responses came from marketing, sales and customer services departments. The employees have limited flexibility in terms of decision making and team work, due to the rigidity of tasks. The findings revealed that the company has a loosely structured infrastructure, where each strategic business unit (SBU) manages its own IT tools and documents. All these underlying aspects are not conducive to the promotion of and growth of KM in any company. The final chapter concludes with a model for KM implementation and the procedures to be followed to ensure that the practice adds value to the company.

In this study the service quality from a Metropolitan Broker Division towards contracted brokers in the southern region was investigated. From the industry and competitor analyses it can be concluded that service quality has become an important factor in the financial service industry, especially in the insurance industry. It is therefore important to look at options to outperform competitors. The literature survey was aimed at improving the level of quality service to contracted brokers. Based on the information obtained through the literature study and survey, a guideline to assist a Metropolitan Broker Division to improve the level of service quality was developed. The purpose of the empirical study was to determine if the service that contracted brokers receive from the Metropolitan Broker Division is of an acceptable level. The answers from respondents were analysed and compared with findings from the literature study. Recommendations were formulated for improving the level of service quality towards contracted brokers. The empirical study results were satisfactory and informative. The positive responses identified can be utilised to strengthen the marketing strategies by Metropolitan Broker Division while attention should be given to the negative responses.

No description available.

This paper reviews the literature on innovation in order to build an agenda for an investigation into the extent to which Metropolitan Retail, within Metropolitan Life Pty in South Africa, focuses on technology innovation capabilities and perspectives. The research was conducted in the areas of, technology innovation capabilities, perspectives guiding the business strategy to integrate and accelerate innovation and contextual aspects influencing innovation perspectives. The extent of focus by the firm on capabilities and perspectives was measured. Data gathered was disseminated and processed by means of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The results on current focus indicate that the firm’s focus is mostly on improving core business, although the extent is less than adequate. In other words, generate incremental innovations that can be developed and implemented rapidly and inexpensively. This approach of implementing innovation is in line with the business strategy, more specifically, with the objective of reducing costs and making profits. The findings of the research further suggest that the firm should consider focusing mostly on exploiting strategic advantages. In many firms the fundamental emphasis on technology innovation in developing products, processes and services is thought to determine their ability to cope with never ending customer demands and competitive practices. Coupled with this thought is a reality of high failure rate of technology innovation projects. Against this backdrop, general managers are faced with strategic innovation options, which can make or break firms. Changes in the economic and government environments influence the innovation approach of the firm most. These changes have undoubtedly presented firms with opportunities as well as risks. Possibly the greatest challenge confronting general managers in this context is the building of critical capabilities to enhance the firm’s agility. This challenge presents opportunity for further research.

The public is regularly shocked by revelations of new business scandals. Nearly every sector of society is tainted by incidents of unethical behaviour. In this regard, the South African financial services industry has attracted a lot of attention, as some of the biggest scandals in recent years have occurred in this industry. With the world economy still experiencing the effects of the global recession, the last thing that institutions in the financial arena must do is engage in unethical behaviour. Immoral behaviour could damage a company's repution and lead to further financial losses. The purpose of this study was thus two-fold: firstly, to investigae the factors that influence unethical decision-making and behaviour in the local life insurance sector, and secondly to evaluate how business ethics are institutionalised at a sample of life insurance companies.

Background In recent times the insurance industry has seen rapid migration of clients among the different companies in search of better rates from the latest intermediary. Cancellation and surrenders of policies have marked this migration of clients. Clients are dependent on brokers for advice, thus making client loyalty dependent on the relationship between the intermediary and the client. In this model there is a gap in the relationship between client and company. Objectives The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the preconception that client loyalty is dependent on the relationship that an intermediary has with a client. The secondary objective of this study is to determine how clients' perceptions and attitudes lends itself to either clients remaining with, or leaving a particular insurer in favour of another. Methods Data was collected by means of a research questionnaire received from 50 respondents, made of clients from the Sanlam Broker Services database. Open ended questions and disconfirmation scales were used. One sample chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. Results Despite clients having received expected levels and better than expected levels of service from a company, clients still prefer to deal with an advisor. The factors that affect clients' decision to remain or migrate to another company are service, reputation, performance and rates. The most common factors for discontentment are poor service, misrepresentation, lack of confidentiality, and poor performance. It was also found that that there is a higher degree of awareness and membership among higher income earners than lower income earners. Conclusion It is recommended that more than demographic knowledge be accessed to keep clients loyal. Lifestyle studies need to be conducted and perhaps this information used to develop innovative marketing strategies. Partnerships with successful existing loyalty programmes also need to be explored as a client retention mechanism. Client loyalty cannot be explored in isolation. It must encompass the entire organization. There is ample evidence in the literature review to support this view. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Intra-urban office location research has traditionally described office location patterns in large metropolises. Research is needed to determine whether these findings accurately describe locational patterns in average-sized American cities, such as Roanoke, Virginia. The pattern of insurance office location in Roanoke, Virginia, was examined from 1960 to 1983. It was determined that research in large metropolises accurately described certain trends in Roanoke but inaccurately described others, particularly with regards to office construction and office migration patterns. Insurance offices in Roanoke were stratified on the basis of their affiliation, or the way the office marketed its products. Four common types of insurance offices were identified: independent agencies, general agencies, captive agencies, and indirect writers. Questionnaires were distributed to a random stratified sample of each office type. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences in the organizational features, contact patterns, and locational characteristics of independent agencies, general agencies, captive agencies, and indirect writers. Future research should attempt to understand the structure of other office industries and identify industry-specific factors affecting the locational characteristics of each industry segment. / M.S.