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Determinants of Public‐Sector Efficiency: Decentralization and Fiscal Rules

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  • Michael Christl
  • Monika Köppl‐Turyna
  • Dénes Kucsera

Abstract

This paper investigates the determinants of public‐sector efficiency, in particular the role of fiscal decentralization and fiscal rules. For 23 European countries over the period from 1995 to 2015, we construct a measure of public‐sector performance consisting of nine distinct indices for each area of public policy, such as administration, health education, economic performance, security and infrastructure. We use several efficiency techniques, e.g., free disposal hull and order‐m, and investigate input‐and output‐oriented efficiency in the public sector. We analyse in depth the impact of fiscal decentralization and fiscal rules on public‐sector efficiency. We conclude that, whereas decentralization fosters efficiency, fiscal rules have no effect. Moreover, fiscal rules, when combined with decentralization, may harm efficiency, which is consistent with the ratchet effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Christl & Monika Köppl‐Turyna & Dénes Kucsera, 2020. "Determinants of Public‐Sector Efficiency: Decentralization and Fiscal Rules," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 73(2), pages 253-290, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:kyklos:v:73:y:2020:i:2:p:253-290
    DOI: 10.1111/kykl.12224
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Brändle, Thomas & Elsener, Marc, 2023. "Do fiscal rules matter? A survey on recent evidence," Working papers 2023/07, Faculty of Business and Economics - University of Basel.
    2. Carolina Ulloa-Suárez, 2023. "Determinants of compliance with fiscal rules: Misplaced efforts or hidden motivations?," Post-Print hal-04171829, HAL.
    3. Köppl-Turyna, Monika & Bittó, Virág & Graf, Nikolaus, 2022. "Effizienzpotenziale in der Kinderbetreuung in Österreich," Policy Notes 50, EcoAustria – Institute for Economic Research.
    4. Xu Zhang & Tianchu Feng & Chengjun Wang & Chaozhu Li, 2023. "Local Fiscal Pressure and Public Health: Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-17, March.
    5. Mara, Eugenia Ramona & Maran, Raluca, 2024. "Are fiscal rules efficient on public debt restraint in the presence of shadow economy?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    6. Ryota Nakatani & Qianqian Zhang & Isaura Garcia Valdes, 2024. "Health Expenditure Decentralization and Health Outcomes: The Importance of Governance," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 54(1), pages 59-87.
    7. Thomas Brändle & Marc Elsener, 2024. "Do fiscal rules matter? A survey of recent evidence," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics, Springer;Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics, vol. 160(1), pages 1-38, December.
    8. Hans Pitlik & Margit Schratzenstaller, 2022. "Kurzexpertise zu Abgabensystem und Ausgabenstrukturen im internationalen Vergleich. Ausgangssituation und Reformbedarf," WIFO Studies, WIFO, number 67988, August.
    9. Pedro Jorge Holanda Figueiredo Alves & Jevuks Matheus Araujo & Ana Karolina Acris Melo, 2023. "Fiscal decentralization and economic growth: evidence from Brazilian states," Public Sector Economics, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 47(2), pages 255-280.
    10. Ulloa-Suárez, Carolina, 2023. "Determinants of compliance with fiscal rules: Misplaced efforts or hidden motivations?," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    11. Herrero-Alcalde, Ana & Martín-Román, Javier & Tránchez-Martín, José Manuel & Moral-Arce, Ignacio, 2024. "Fiscal rules to the test: The impact of the Spanish expenditure rule," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    12. del Castillo, Ernesto & Cabral, René, 2024. "Subnational public debt sustainability in Mexico: Is the new fiscal rule working?," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    13. Köppl-Turyna, Monika & Strohner, Ludwig, 2023. "Reformoptionen des österreichischen Finanzausgleichs," Policy Notes 52, EcoAustria – Institute for Economic Research.
    14. López-Herrera, Carmen & Cordero, José M. & Pedraja-Chaparro, Francisco & Polo, Cristina, 2023. "Fiscal rules and their influence on public sector efficiency," MPRA Paper 119018, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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