Trend Analysis In The Efficiency Of Iran Commercial Banks: Combining Window Analysis With The Malmquist Index Aapproach

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Abstract

Banking industry -among other industries- is extremely important. As an efficient industry, it can play a valuable role in the way of achievement to economic growth and development. Further, the ‘health’ of this industry will help the health of the whole economy, since efficiency of banking industry means lower banking costs and surcharges, lower interest rates and higher level of services. Therefore, efficiency and productivity of banking industry and recognition of the factors which affect it, are of utmost importance. In this research DEA methods as well as MALMQUIST index are used to estimate efficiency and productivity of banking industry. Productivity and efficiency of commercial banks have been studied during the period from 1995 to 2006.  The results have been as follows: The average technical efficiency of banks MELLAT, MELLI, SEPAH and SADERAT being around 80% is relatively low. The average pure technical efficiency of banks MELLAT and TEJARAT are around 84%. The average scale efficiency of Iranian commercial banks (all except Bank MELLI being 83%) is on desirable level. Considering MALMQUIST index, only the functionality of Bank REFAH KARGARAN (99%) has been worsened during the period and the functionality of other banks have been improved. In general, the average value of MALMQUIST productivity index among Iranian commercial banks within the period under study is 1.063 which shows an improvement in functionality of Iranian banking system.

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