Restrictions on hours mean that output per hour is bound to rise, as firms shed lower-value, yet still profitable, tasks.

ECONOMIST: Economics focus

As domestic output tapers off, this ratio is bound to rise.

ECONOMIST: Corporate governance at Petronas

Now, pay is supposed to be linked to output, though becoming more productive is not easy for desk-bound civil servants or workers in factories that have no power, raw materials or markets.

ECONOMIST: North Korea