Strategic Employee Empowerment in the Insurance Sector: Theoretical Foundations, Technological Transformation, and Future Projections
Chapter from the book:
Buğan,
M.
F.
&
Çevik,
E.
(eds.)
2025.
Evolution of Financial Markets VII.
Synopsis
As the insurance sector evolves from a traditional and hierarchical structure focused on risk transfer to a modern model focused on 'prevention and prediction,' the concept of employee empowerment has become a strategic imperative. This study examines empowerment not merely as a simple delegation of authority, but as a complex interaction of technological tools and cultural norms, grounded in Kanter’s structural and Spreitzer’s psychological empowerment theories. Empirical findings in both international and national literature demonstrate that empowerment enhances employee commitment, service quality, and especially sales performance. The report analyzes how the concept of 'Bionic Insurance,' supported by artificial intelligence and digital tools, increases efficiency in claims and underwriting processes while providing data-driven autonomy to employees. However, this transformation also entails risks such as regulatory compliance, burnout syndrome, and intergenerational differences in expectations. Consequently, the study reveals that for empowerment to be successful, technological infrastructure must be balanced with a 'skills-based organization' culture and clear risk guardrails.
