Search
 

The Flat World of Claims - Part Two

In the 21st century's flat world predicted by Tom Friedman, national borders will become less important, something this writer who is exploring the future believes.

By Ken Brownlee | Updated on July 03, 2007

Last month (June Issue) our image-smashing columnist explored how the flat world described in Tom Friedman’s best seller, The World Is Flat, might affect the world of claims. One writer even suggests allowing “self-handling” of much of the claims process, at least the “linear” parts that technology can handle. That leaves the rest of us to do the thinking parts. Additionally, some technology allows machines to think for themselves. So, what do you think?

In the 21st century’s flat world predicted by Tom Friedman, national borders will become less important, something this writer who is exploring the future believes. Friedman even cites one 19th century writer as predicting the type of international “all for one and one for all” society a flat world can create — no, not the Three Musketeers of Alexandre Dumas, but the Communist Manifesto of Marx and Engles. A workday will not be limited to only nine to five, but will function on the basis of an around-the-clock 24/7/365 cycle where what doesn’t get finished by 5 p.m. in Peoria will be completed by 10 a.m. in Kuala Lumpur and be back on the desk by 8 a.m. in Peoria. The bulk of business will be intangible, existing in cyberspace where computers do all the grunt work. Corporations will be international, and everyone will reap the profits. Well, maybe. Maybe not….

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.