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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

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    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
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    2. Marcela Eslava & John Haltiwanger & Nicolas Urdaneta, 2024. "The Size and Life-Cycle Growth of Plants: The Role of Productivity, Demand, and Wedges," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 91(1), pages 259-300.
    3. Fieler, Ana Cecília & Harrison, Ann E., 2023. "Escaping import competition in China," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    4. Chen, Yutong & Chiplunkar, Gaurav & Sekhri, Sheetal & Sen, Anirban & Seth, Aaditeshwar, 2023. "How Do Political Connections of Firms Matter during an Economic Crisis?," IZA Discussion Papers 16131, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    5. Paul L. E. Grieco & Shengyu Li & Hongsong Zhang, 2022. "Input prices, productivity, and trade dynamics: long‐run effects of liberalization on Chinese paint manufacturers," RAND Journal of Economics, RAND Corporation, vol. 53(3), pages 516-560, September.
    6. Goraya, Sampreet Singh, 2023. "How does caste affect entrepreneurship? birth versus worth," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 116-133.

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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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