Decomposition of Total Factor Productivity Growth in Nonparametric Framework : A Reconsideration

An attempt is first made in this paper to illustrate in nonparametric framework the decomposition of total factor productivity growth (TFPG) into technical change and efficiency change. Färe et al. (1994) measure TFPG by taking geometric mean of two Malmquist indexes proposed by Caves et al. (1982), assuming that these two indexes are very different from each other. We have, however, shown that these two indexes are, in fact, the one and same for the case of constant returns to scale (CRS) technology involving single input and single output. In case of multi-input and output CRS technology, the productivity estimates of these two indexes are broadly similar. Our empirical results based on Indian Sunrise industries data indicate that the transition period of economic liberalization experiences high productivity decay despite high technical progress, suggesting bold policy decisions required by Government to bring changes in institutional and environmental climate to increase productivity by reducing inefficiency for the time to come