Abstract

The paper empirically quantifies firm specific 'distribution free' cost efficiency, economies of scale and economies of scope in the UK building society sector between 1990-1995. Both a flexible Fourier and a translog functional form are employed with an intermediation representation of depository institution production. Differences in the performance of these two functional forms are found. A broad distribution of cost efficiency over the sample period is observed, with a mean efficiency of 76 per cent estimated using the flexible Fourier form and a mean efficiency of 72.52 per cent estimated employing the translog form. Distinct results for economies of scale are produced with the two models.

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