Issues in Measurement and International Comparison of Productivity - An Overview

This paper reviews recent development in theory and measurement of productivity performance in an international comparative perspective. It emphasises the need for a better link between the theory and practice of measurement, in particular concerning measurement of productivity levels. The paper deals with concepts of output, labour inputs and capital inputs, the issue of quality differences, the use of purchasing power parities versus unit value ratios and measurement problems related to services. Among other things the paper argues in favour of an integrated use of input-output tables and production statistics for international comparisons.