Working paper available through PEDL. Published article available here.
Abstract
Atkin et al. 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. The authors 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.
In response to the Covid-19 crisis, 186 countries implemented direct cash transfers to households, and 181 introduced in-kind programs that lowered the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, transport, and mobile money.
Organizational and managerial structure plays an important role in the productivity difference among firms. However, studies that assessed the quality of firm management and its link with their performance are still scanty.
Research suggests that partisanship and social media usage correlate with belief in COVID-19 misinformation, and that misinformation shapes citizens’ willingness to get vaccinated.
This article studies the structural aggregate productivity growth (APG) decomposition with demand- and supply-side controls, determines comparative statics predictions for firms and economic outcomes, and examines patterns of input distortions.
Organizational and managerial structure plays an important role in the productivity difference among firms. However, studies that assessed the quality of firm management and its link with their performance are still scanty.
This article studies the structural aggregate productivity growth (APG) decomposition with demand- and supply-side controls, determines comparative statics predictions for firms and economic outcomes, and examines patterns of input distortions.
We evaluate a policy which relocated over 20,000 firms identified as polluting from central Delhi to industrial areas on the outskirts of the metro area. Roughly 58% of these firms ceased operation as a result of having been relocated.