Stormy productivity weather ahead?

Purpose – To explore the factors underpinning economic productivity (at a national level) and related concepts such as competitiveness and identify key lessons for governments and organisations. Design/methodology/approach – Analyses published data and identifies internal and external, contemporaneous influences which might help explain those data. Draws general conclusions from the analysis. Findings – It is possible to identify factors acting on a nation that explain the economic performance of that nation. Some of these factors are internal, such as government policy and action; some are external and “interfere” with current government policy and action. These external factors can act as a catalyst to improved performance. Practical implications – Governments must be aware of their role in establishing a “climate” which offers the potential to create high productivity organisations. This is a delicate balance between providing an appropriate productivity infrastructure and over‐regulation. Organisations attempting to improve productivity must be aware of the “productivity infrastructure” and ensure that their approach maximises ways in which it can be exploited. Originality/value – Shows the importance of national economic factors in creating a potential for high productivity. Demonstrates the partnership that must exist between government and organisations to ensure competitiveness.