Definition X-Efficiency. Description.
X-Efficiency is an economic expression for the effectiveness
with which an organization uses its given set of inputs to produce outputs.
In a theoretical market with perfect competition, there will in general
be no X-Inefficiency because if any firm is less efficient than the others
it will not make sufficient profits to stay in business in the long term.
X-inefficiency is not the only type of inefficiency in economics.
X-inefficiency only looks at the outputs that are produced with given
inputs. It does not take account of whether the inputs are the best ones to
be using, or whether the outputs are the best ones to be producing. This other
last form is referred to as Allocative (Economic) Efficiency.
If a company is producing the maximum output it can given
the resources it employs, such as men and machinery, and the best technology
available, it is said to be X-Efficient. X-Inefficiency occurs when X-Efficiency
is not achieved.
Economic theory assumes that the management of firms act to
maximize owners' wealth by minimizing risk and maximizing economic profits
-- which is accomplished by simultaneously maximizing revenues and minimizing
costs, usually through the adjustment of output. In perfect competition, the
free entry and exit of firms tends toward firms producing at the point where
price equals long run average costs and long run average costs are minimized.
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History of Efficiency
"The principles of efficiency date back to 1776, when Adam Smith wrote his influential book 'An inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations'. In this book, Smith writes that productive labor is the source of welfare and that through division of labor, the labor productivity can be significantly increased. After this book, business was approached and dealt with in a more systematic way and the focus was put on efficiency." |
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X-Efficiency Special Interest Group
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Compare with:
Value for Money Audit | Scientific Management (Taylorism)
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X-Efficiency Sponsor
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Special Interest Group Leader
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