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Measuring Productivity: Lessons from Tailored Surveys and Productivity Benchmarking

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  • David Atkin
  • Amit K. Khandelwal
  • Adam Osman

Abstract

We use tailored surveys and benchmarking in the flat-weave rug industry to better understand the shortcomings of standard productivity measures. Quantity-based productivity (TFPQ) performs poorly because of variation in product specifications across firms. Controlling for specifications aligns TFPQ with lab benchmarks. We also collect quality metrics to construct quality productivity (the ability to produce quality given inputs) and find substantial dispersion across firms. This motivates interest in multidimensional productivity, or capability. As quality productivity is negatively correlated with TFPQ, revenue-based productivity (TFPR) may perform better at capturing capabilities in settings where better firms make products with more demanding specifications that have greater input requirements.

Suggested Citation

  • David Atkin & Amit K. Khandelwal & Adam Osman, 2019. "Measuring Productivity: Lessons from Tailored Surveys and Productivity Benchmarking," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 109, pages 444-449, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:109:y:2019:p:444-49
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20191005
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Olley, G Steven & Pakes, Ariel, 1996. "The Dynamics of Productivity in the Telecommunications Equipment Industry," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 64(6), pages 1263-1297, November.
    2. Wooldridge, Jeffrey M., 2009. "On estimating firm-level production functions using proxy variables to control for unobservables," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 104(3), pages 112-114, September.
    3. David Atkin & Amit K. Khandelwal & Adam Osman, 2017. "Exporting and Firm Performance: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 132(2), pages 551-615.
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    Cited by:

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    4. Fabio Bertolotti & Kyle R. Myers & Wei Yang Tham, 2025. "Productivity Beliefs and Efficiency in Science," NBER Working Papers 34000, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity

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