Efficiency in U.S. manufacturing industries

摘要: Using the recently developed stochastic frontier production function, Richard Caves and David Barton estimate degree of technical efficiency in nearly 350 U.S. manufacturing industries explain variation among industries. They reach a number strong conclusions, including observation that import competition flexible employment arrangements are beneficial whereas corporate diversification hurts efficiency.Caves describe evaluate which allows them to credibly inefficiency. Census data on individual establishments, they obtain functions for over 300 then propose hypotheses derived from modern developments economic analysis theory differences efficiency. The embrace many dimensions organization (both enterprise labor), as well sources heterogeneous productivity levels such capital-vintage differences, product differentiation, differential rents innovationAmong studies have been conducted past three decades, "Efficiency Manufacturing Industries" is unmatched breadth depth its coverage. tested range more widely, extended cover small large firms dynamic effects industries' rates growth. review existing literature unusually complete.Richard Professor Economics Business Administration at Harvard University. R. an economist with International Trade Administration, Department Commerce.