Finnish Experiences in Measuring and Promoting Productivity in the Public Sector

This paper presents a survey of the studies that have investigated productivity and efficiency in the Finnish public sector. The paper outlines methods that have been used in these studies and presents summaries of main finding. In addition suggestions and reflections on how to take quality into account in productivity studies are offered. The implications of recent public management reforms in Finland for productivity are also discussed. The paper offers tentative evidence that these reforms may have significant positive effects on public sector productivity.