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Measuring office productivity: a model accounting for the dependence of outflows on inflows

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  • Mocetti, Sauro
  • Pesenti, Ottavia
  • Roma, Giacomo

Abstract

The measurement of productivity in the public sector is challenging, in part because of the difficulties associated with defining and quantifying outputs. Even when outputs are observable, their proper evaluation remains complex. This paper proposes a parsimonious yet generalizable model, using judicial courts as a case study, that assumes a linear production function in which each case has the same weight. The model shows that the number of resolved cases is systematically shaped by both the volume and the composition of newly filed cases. Consequently, standard productivity indicators that fail to account for the characteristics of incoming workloads may be severely biased.

Suggested Citation

  • Mocetti, Sauro & Pesenti, Ottavia & Roma, Giacomo, 2025. "Measuring office productivity: a model accounting for the dependence of outflows on inflows," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 128897, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:128897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Imran Rasul & Daniel Rogger, 2018. "Management of Bureaucrats and Public Service Delivery: Evidence from the Nigerian Civil Service," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 128(608), pages 413-446, February.
    2. Lucia Foster & John Haltiwanger & Chad Syverson, 2008. "Reallocation, Firm Turnover, and Efficiency: Selection on Productivity or Profitability?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 98(1), pages 394-425, March.
    3. Imran Rasul & Daniel Rogger, 2018. "Management of Bureaucrats and Public Service Delivery: Evidence from the Nigerian Civil Service," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 128(608), pages 413-446, February.
    4. Chang-Tai Hsieh & Peter J. Klenow, 2009. "Misallocation and Manufacturing TFP in China and India," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 124(4), pages 1403-1448.
    5. Nicholas Bloom & Renata Lemos & Raffaella Sadun & John Van Reenen, 2015. "Does Management Matter in schools?," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 0(584), pages 647-674, May.
    6. John Haltiwanger, 2016. "Firm Dynamics and Productivity: TFPQ, TFPR, and Demand Side Factors," Economía Journal, The Latin American and Caribbean Economic Association - LACEA, vol. 0(Fall 2016), pages 3-26.
    7. Alessandra Fenizia, 2022. "Managers and Productivity in the Public Sector," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 90(3), pages 1063-1084, May.
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    JEL classification:

    • K40 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - General

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