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Corruption, technical efficiency and total factor productivity growth: empirical evidence from China

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  • Yingying Shi

    (Hubei Normal University
    Central China Normal University)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of corruption on technical efficiency using a translog SFA model and an objective corruption variable of China from 1999 to 2017. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between corruption and technical efficiency. The decomposition of the total factor productivity (TFP) growth indicates that China emphasized input factors and technical progress while neglecting the improvement of technical efficiency, which plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory and magnitude of TFP growth. It suggests that the impact of corruption on technical efficiency is contingent on the interaction between corruption and other institutional variables, and anti-corruption efforts ultimately lead to the enhancement of technical efficiency and TFP growth. Our research not only explores the contrasting “grease the wheels” hypothesis and “sand the wheels” hypothesis regarding corruption and efficiency, but also provides new insights into how corruption influences TFP and economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Yingying Shi, 2024. "Corruption, technical efficiency and total factor productivity growth: empirical evidence from China," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 57(6), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ecopln:v:57:y:2024:i:6:d:10.1007_s10644-024-09819-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10644-024-09819-2
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corruption; Technical efficiency; Decomposition of TFP; TFP growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption

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