Measuring Productivity using
the Index Number Approach: An Introduction
New Zealand Treasury Working Paper 04/05
Published: June 2004
Author: Nathan McLellan
Abstract
This paper provides an introduction to productivity measurement using index number techniques. Attention is given to the construction of productivity series using common index number formulae, the economic and axiomatic approaches to selecting an index number formula, and the use of chaining. Special attention is also given to measuring physical capital inputs and quality adjusted labour inputs. Numerical examples are used throughout the paper to illustrate the analysis.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Tony Booth, John Creedy, Kevin Fox, David Law, Peter Mawson, John Morris and Grant Scobie for comments on an earlier draft of this paper.
Disclaimer
The views, opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Working Paper are strictly those of the author(s). They do not necessarily reflect the views of the New Zealand Treasury. The New Zealand Treasury takes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in, or for the correctness of, the information contained in this Working Paper. The paper is presented not as policy, but to inform and stimulate wider debate.
