Review

Reviewed Work(s): Essentials of Insurance: A Risk Management Perspective by Emmett

Vaughan and Theresa Vaughan
Review by: Sajjad A. Hashmi
Source: The Journal of Risk and Insurance, Vol. 65, No. 2 (Jun., 1998), pp. 349-350
Published by: American Risk and Insurance Association
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/253543
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Book

Reviews

349

the conceptual discussion by suggesting numerous methods of effectively dealing

with anger.

Part II of the book focuses the attention on anger in the workplace by applying
the theoretical constructs presented to this domain. Management styles and

organizational culture both contribute significantly to workplace dynamics. As

different leadership styles are discussed, one notices the contributions these could
make in developing employee anger, whether acceptable or unacceptable. While

this anger can sometimes stimulate creative activity, it may also be transformed
into unacceptable behavior. Chronic absences, poor-quality work, or theft could be
possible outlets for this anger. Suggestions for how to effectively respond to angry
employees are then presented. Listening carefully to the employee and evaluating
the situation are key in dealing with this anger before further aggravation,
employer and/or employee, arises.
The author has presented a thorough treatment of the subject matter.
Supervisors in any type of organization would find the discussions useful in

maintaining their workplace relationships. In particular, risk managers could use

the suggestions presented in the book in evaluating the comprehensiveness of their
current employee wellness programs.

Essentials of Insurance: A Risk Management Perspective, by Emmett Vaughan

and Theresa Vaughan (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1995).
Reviewer: Sajjad A. Hashmi, Emporia State University

This book is a spin-off of Fundamentals of Risk and Insurance by Emmett

Vaughan, a very successful text for the past two decades. Both authors of the book

under review are well known as teachers and scholars. This book reflects their
experience and knowledge. The authors state that the text is written in response to
a need for a "briefer" version that is "consumer oriented" and is "within the risk
management framework."

This well-written book is certainly briefer than its "big brother" version or most
others in this variety. The text is divided into three sections. The first section
includes a detailed discussion of risk, the nature of private insurance industry, the
regulation of insurance, and the nature of risk management. The second section

covers life and health insurance including a chapter on buying insurance. In

addition to social security and other retirement plans, workers compensation is
included in this section. The third section includes personal and commercial
property and liability insurance. Major emphasis, understandably, is placed on

personal insurance. The final chapter in this section is on the future of insurance in

which the authors briefly but cogently discuss such trends as changes in the tort
system and globalization of insurance. The authors end the chapter with career
opportunities in insurance which might prove enlightening to students who believe

sales is the only job offered by the insurance industry. Each chapter ends with a
list of important concepts to remember and questions for review and questions for
discussion. A combination of all three can certainly remind a student of what is of
importance in the chapter, if he or she somehow missed the chapter objectives in
the beginning. Each chapter also contains suggestions for additional readings,

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350 The Journal of Risk and Insurance

although I have always wondered as to its importance in an elementary book.

Somehow, I cannot see students pursuing further reading after having finished the
chapter on the fascinating subjects of social security and workers compensation in

the middle of the night and just before the test. On the other hand, I might be
wrong. Voluntary additional readings might just be the cure for insurance
boredom!

The text ends with a comprehensive glossary and a detailed index which should

prove to be very helpful to the readers. Naturally, any essentials' book has to leave
out some topics. One can, however, in some cases quibble with the authors'
selection here. Important topics have been left out, yet others of questionable value
to consumers have been included. For example, while personal inland marine

floaters such as personal fur floater and fine arts and antiques floaters are included,
there is no discussion of personal umbrella policy. Similarly, one has to wonder
about the value of including detailed discussion of the regulation of the insurance
industry as opposed to a brief description of state regulation of insurance and the

role of state insurance departments that might benefit the consumer directly. By

the same token, it is not necessary for a consumer to have a detailed knowledge of

the functions of insurers. It appears to this reviewer that instead of being consumer
oriented insurance text, the book is still on the subject of insurance with some
consumer orientation. This approach is perfectly legitimate as long as it is so
intended.

Risk management approach to insurance, I believe, is the right approach for a

"consumer oriented" book. But the problem is that a chapter on risk management
or on buying insurance or a few short paragraphs in some chapters does not make it
so. Risk management has to be woven into all pertinent chapters. The reader has
to be constantly shown how decisions between various alternatives, both insurance

and non-insurance, should be made. Resources are always limited, and it is

necessary for consumers to set up an order of priority. Is there a need for personal

umbrella policy beyond homeowners? For all? For some? Under what

circumstances? This, unfortunately, the book does not do. Risk management is
still compartmentalized.
The authors have made a laudable effort to weave in applications from other

disciplines, albeit to a limited degree. This cross-functional approach is especially

weak in the ethics area. There is a lack of sufficient discussion of ethics, especially
what the consumers need to know about the insurance industry practices to protect
themselves, witness the latest trials and tribulations of some giants of the insurance
industry with the state insurance departments.

Considered as a text for anyone who would like to know more about insurance
and much of its environment, it is an excellent book. The text is distinguished by
its clarity of presentation, making it highly readable.

Malpractice Liability in the Business Professions: A Survey Guide for Attorneys

and Clients, by Warren Freedman (Quorum Books, 1995).
Reviewer: Sajjad A. Hashmi, Emporia State University

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