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The role of distribution channels in market discipline for the life insurance industry

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  • Tsai-Jyh Chen

    (National Chengchi University)

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of distribution channels in market discipline for the life insurance industry as marketing intermediaries help transmit information between insurers and consumers. Based on life insurance data in Taiwan during 2004–2013, the paper analyses the relationship between insurance demand and insurers’ enterprise risk considering the effect of the distribution channel. The empirical results suggest that the distribution channel is an influential factor in insurance demand. The results also show that insurance demand and choice of distribution channel in Taiwan are responsive to insurers’ enterprise risk. These findings suggest that insurance commissioners should consider the role of marketing intermediaries when market discipline is adopted as an approach for surveillance of the insurance market.

Suggested Citation

  • Tsai-Jyh Chen, 2021. "The role of distribution channels in market discipline for the life insurance industry," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 46(1), pages 107-129, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:gpprii:v:46:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s41288-020-00172-9
    DOI: 10.1057/s41288-020-00172-9
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