National Productivity Measurement and International Comparisons

Abstract

Productivity is defined in many different ways. It is sometimes confusing to

understand productivity, and to compare productivity among different countries.

In this paper, first of all, the definitions of national productivity are

summarized. Secondly, the productivity measurements officially used in Korea

are defined. Thirdly, additional productivity measurements which are often

calculated worldwide are introduced. Lastly, international comparison is made

for the value added labor productivity which is well known as a national

productivity. The basis of comparison is on the currency exchange rate to US

dollars as well as the purchasing power parity (PPP) announced by OECD.