Introduction

Published in 1999, this text uses a number of approaches to measure the performance of firms in the transition economies of Central Eastern Europe during the early stages of reform. There is considerable controversy about the level of productivity in this period, as is evident by contradictory evidence quoted in the literature and a high degree of inconsistency in published national statistics.

Indeed, the disagreement extends to the measurement approach and the results for this group of countries. Particularly difficult is any analysis at the firm level, as data is inconsistent, incomplete and based on now out-dated accounting systems.

The information used in this book is a panel data set of 64 items collected from 1000 firms across 25 industry sectors in Hungary. Productive efficiency is measured and the reasons for poor performance are discussed.

It was found that industrial sectors differ in their average performance levels and in the factors most likely to account for this. Finally, recommendations are developed to help to reverse the decline in productivity.