Ganhos de produtividade e de eficiência: novos resultados para a economia brasileira

Abstract

This paper investigates measurement and conceptual issues concerning labor productivity change in Brazil, identified as the main partial productivity variable behind overall total factor productivity (TFP) change. A simple model of TFP change, based on a growth accounting framework, is used to estimate productivity change since the 1970's in the aggregate economy, in the manufacturing sector and in the agricultural sector. The main conclusion is that Brazil has been displaying a reasonably favorable record of both efficiency (TFP) and labor productivity gains, the main implication of which is the positive impact on the competitiveness of tradables.