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Efficiency and utility: an evolutionary perspective

Author

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  • Stefan Mann
  • Henry Wüstemann

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop the argument that the link between efficiency and utility was strongest in the twentieth century. This would not only explain the growing focus on efficiency in the past, but also suggest that the importance of efficiency in society is set to decrease from now on. Design/methodology/approach - The two arguments in support of the claim were: first, the growing importance of the service sector where an exaggerated focus on efficiency may decrease utility and second, the utility that is generated by different working environments and identities where heterogeneity is increasing. Findings - Good reasons are found why the strong correlation between utility and efficiency that could be found in the process of industrialization is loosening. Research limitations/implications - The findings imply that the role of economic science is probably rather decreasing. Social implications - Social indicators for utility will probably gain importance. Originality/value - This paper puts the importance of efficiency into a historical context.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Mann & Henry Wüstemann, 2010. "Efficiency and utility: an evolutionary perspective," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 37(9), pages 676-685, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijsepp:v:37:y:2010:i:9:p:676-685
    DOI: 10.1108/03068291011062470
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Studer, Roman, 2008. "India and the Great Divergence: Assessing the Efficiency of Grain Markets in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century India," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 68(2), pages 393-437, June.
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    5. Jollands, Nigel, 2006. "Concepts of efficiency in ecological economics: Sisyphus and the decision maker," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 56(3), pages 359-372, March.
    6. Nigel Key & Michael J. Roberts, 2009. "Nonpecuniary Benefits to Farming: Implications for Supply Response to Decoupled Payments," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 91(1), pages 1-18.
    7. Spufford,Peter, 1989. "Money and its Use in Medieval Europe," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521375900, October.
    8. Lips, Markus & Gazzarin, Christian, 2008. "What are the preferences of Dairy Farmers regarding their Work? A Discrete Choice Experiment in the Eastern Part of Switzerland," 2008 International Congress, August 26-29, 2008, Ghent, Belgium 44132, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    9. Richardson, Gary, 2005. "The Prudent Village: Risk Pooling Institutions in Medieval English Agriculture," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(2), pages 386-413, June.
    10. Stefan Mann, 2008. "From friendly turns towards trade – on the interplay between cooperation and markets," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 35(5), pages 326-337, April.
    11. Gardner, Lisa A. & Grace, Martin F., 1993. "X-Efficiency in the US life insurance industry," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 17(2-3), pages 497-510, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yong Zha & Jun Wang & Nannan Liang & Chuiri Zhou, 2016. "Utility-based two-stage models with fairness concern," Central European Journal of Operations Research, Springer;Slovak Society for Operations Research;Hungarian Operational Research Society;Czech Society for Operations Research;Österr. Gesellschaft für Operations Research (ÖGOR);Slovenian Society Informatika - Section for Operational Research;Croatian Operational Research Society, vol. 24(4), pages 877-900, December.
    2. Vitaly L. Tambovtsev, 2021. "Targeted programs in the Russian Federation as a matter for evaluation," Upravlenets, Ural State University of Economics, vol. 12(2), pages 46-62, April.

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