Transformations  in
Business & Economics

SOCIAL PROTECTION EFFICIENCY FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: EVIDENCE FROM 28 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES³
Renata Halaskova, Beata Mikusova Merickova, Katarina Melasova, Maria Grausova

ABSTRACT: The study aims to assess the efficiency of social protection for families/children in selected European countries in 2013-2019. Using the DEA approach methodology, social protection efficiency in 2013-2019 and changes in the efficiency of social protection for families/children between 2013 and 2019 are assessed for 28 European countries. The results of social protection efficiency of families/children showed significant differences between European countries. Sensitivity analysis across European countries confirmed that the score of social protection efficiency for families/children is influenced by specific outcomes (social outcomes) that correspond to broader social protection objectives in the area of family policy. In contrast, there was no clear link between the efficiency score of social protection for families/children and country approaches according to social protection systems. Between 2013 and 2019, most of the European countries studied experienced an increase in the productivity of social protection for families/children, driven by improvements in the production possibilities frontier (corresponding to changes in the conditions of the family support system).

KEYWORDS:  social protection, families/children, efficiency, Data Envelopment Analysis.

JEL classification:  H53, I38, C61.

³Acknowledgments:  The research was supported by the VEGA No. 1/0029/21, "Management of contracting services in the public sector”. Disclosure statement. Authors declare that they do not have any competing financial, professional, or personal interests from other parties.