What Is To Be Done for Better productivity Measurement

The first section of the article reviews general measurement problems associated with measuring sectoral total factor productivity. Secondly, the article argues that the production accounts in the present System of National Accounts (SNA) need to be extended somewhat in order to be suitable as a data base for measuring sectoral productivity growth rates. In particular, the treatment of exports, imports and indirect taxes is not completely adequate for productivity measurement purposes in the present SNA. Finally, the article makes some specific suggestions to statistical agencies that would lead to better productivity measurement. In particular, balance sheet information needs to be improved and made available to the public. Moreover, the balance sheet information needs to be integrated with sectoral measures of capital service inputs.