Work

The role of environmental factors in water utilities’ technical efficiency. Empirical evidence from Spanish companies

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: This article computes input-specific scores of technical efficiency for a sample of water utilities located in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. In addition, differences in efficiency between different operating environments are investigated. Concerning the debate about ownership and efficiency, we find that privately owned companies outperform public utilities in their management of labour. Furthermore, technical efficiency is found to be greater among firms located in highly populated areas and for utilities providing water services to tourist municipalities. Finally, no empirical evidence supporting the greater technical efficiency of consortia of water utilities, a managerial strategy strongly encouraged by regional politicians, is found.

Source: Applied Economics

DOI: 10.1080/00036840601007310

Authors: Andrés J. Picazo-Tadeo, Francisco J. Sáez-Fernández, Francisco González-Gómez

Institutions: Universitat de València, Universidad de Granada

Language: English

Topic: Efficiency Analysis Using DEA

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2004843314

FWCI: 7.178

Cites: 61

Cited by: 77

Related to: 10