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Active and Passive Waste in Government Spending: Evidence from a Policy Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Oriana Bandiera
  • Andrea Prat
  • Tommaso Valletti

Abstract

We propose a distinction between active and passive waste as determinants of the cost of public services. Active waste entails utility for the public decision maker, whereas passive waste does not. We analyze purchases of standardized goods by Italian public bodies and exploit a policy experiment associated with a national procurement agency. We find that: (i) some public bodies pay systematically more than others for equivalent goods; (ii) differences are correlated with governance structure; (iii) the variation in prices is principally due to variation in passive rather than active waste; and (iv) passive waste accounts for 83 percent of total estimated waste. (JEL H11, H57, H83)

Suggested Citation

  • Oriana Bandiera & Andrea Prat & Tommaso Valletti, 2009. "Active and Passive Waste in Government Spending: Evidence from a Policy Experiment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 99(4), pages 1278-1308, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:99:y:2009:i:4:p:1278-1308
    DOI: 10.1257/aer.99.4.1278
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    JEL classification:

    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H57 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Procurement
    • H83 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Public Administration

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    1. Active and Passive Waste in Government Spending: Evidence from a Policy Experiment (AER 2009) in ReplicationWiki

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