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Street-Level Ethics. Workshop developed by: Chris Amrhein , AAI, Consultant. Course Objectives. To gain insight into ethical behavior To understand why the terms “ethical” and “moral” are quite different (and why confusing them presents problems)
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Street-Level Ethics Workshop developed by:Chris Amrhein, AAI, Consultant
Course Objectives • To gain insight into ethical behavior • To understand why the terms “ethical” and “moral” are quite different (and why confusing them presents problems) • To become familiar with inherent conflicts in being ethical (if it weren’t hard, everyone would do it)
Course Objectives • To understand the value of a code of ethics • To gain practice in seeing the ethical dilemmas in common insurance situations • To exercise individual judgment and reasoning in addressing ethical dilemmas, relying upon accepted ethical approaches and applicable codes of ethics
Morality • “Right vs. Wrong” decisions • “From the heart and the brain” • “Feels” like the right thing • According to the way I was taught, this IS the right thing
Ethics • “Right vs. right” decisions • Come from the “head” (intellect) • Codes of expected behavior • Approved guidelines • Derived from morals
Today’s Headlines • Are they “moral” or “ethical” issues? • Corporate cheating, corruption • Corporate criminal behavior • Individual profiteering • Stock manipulation • Others?
A True Moral Crisis Is Not Solvable By an Ethical Process…Why?
Because… First Step in Solving “Moral” Crisis Is to Determine “Right” from “Wrong” – NOT “Right” from “Right”
Approaches to Ethical Decisions • Situation-Based • Rule-Based • People-Based
Situation-Based What is the best possible outcome given these circumstances?
Rule-Based Follow the rules, and let the chips fall where they may
People-Based Follow the Golden Rule: what would you have others do if faced by the same situation?
Inherent Weaknesses • Situation-Based: Do the ends justify the means? • Rule-Based: What should the rules be? • People-Based: Who is to say if the moral code of the decider is good or bad? Codes of Ethics can help overcome weaknesses
Code of Ethics • Provide set, agreed-upon guidelines for the behaviour of those who adhere to them • Examples: • American Institute for CPCU • NAIW • CPIW
Questions for Assistance in Ethical Decision Making • Deciding Whether the Situation Has Ethical Dimensions • Gathering Information • Identifying and Evaluating Alternatives • Reaching the Decision • Monitoring the Decision
Value • Gain experience in working through possibilities • Gain comfort in decision making • Explore differences, consider options in a safe, controlled environment • Practice makes perfect
Assumptions • Scenarios must be realistic, not “pie in the sky” purely theoretical discussions • Work through regular steps; do not try to solve all problems at once • Goal is to strengthen your “ethical muscles” for future crises
Agent Case Studies • #1 – A Friend in Need • #2 – The Case of the Absent Audit
Underwriter Case Studies • #3 – The Life of a Field Underwriter • #4 – Who’s the Fairest of Them All?
Original Agent Case Studies • #7 – How Low Will You Go? • #8 – The Last Minute Certificate Crunch • #9 – E&S: When Is “Worse” Better? • #10 – Wrong Is Wrong, but Right for Client
Original Underwriter Case Studies • #11 – School’s Out • #12 – Ignorance Can Be Bliss • #13 – He Who Hesitates Gets Lost • #14 – Gone With the Wind
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