What is Inter-Firm Comparison? Explain the main advantage of Inter-Firm Comparison.

Meaning and Advantages of Inter-Firm Comparison Meaning of inter-firm comparison: It is technique of evaluating the performance, efficiency, costs and profits of firms in an industry. It consists of voluntary exchange of information/data concerning costs, prices, profits, productivity and overall efficiency among firms engaged in similar type of operations for the purpose of bringing improvement in efficiency and indicating the weaknesses. Such a comparison will be possible where uniform costing is in operation. An inter-firm comparison indicates the efficiency of production and selling, adequacy of profits, weak spots in the organisation, etc. and thus demands from the firm's management an immediate suitable action. Inter-firm comparison may enable the management to challenge the standards which it has set for itself and to improve upon them in the light of the current information gathered from more efficient units. Such a comparison may be carried out in electrical industry, printing firms, cotton spinning firms, pharmaceuticals, cycle manufacturing, etc. Advantages of inter - firm comparison: The main advantages of inter-firm comparison are as under: Such a comparison gives an overall view of the industry as a whole to its members the present position of the industry, progress made during the past and the future of the industry. It helps a concern in knowing its strengths or weaknesses in relation to others so that remedial measures may be taken. It ensures an unbiased specialized reporting on particular problems of the concern. It develops cost consciousness among members of the industry. It helps Government in effecting price regulation. It helps to improve the quality of products manufactured and to reduce the cost of production. It is thus advantageous to the industry as well as to the society.