Soft indicaiors of economic situation

In this chapter we will consider one of many possible methods of constructing a comprehensive indicator of economic situation on the basis of individual estimates. We will discuss the method of soft modeling. It is based on analysis of relationships between latent variables by which we mean those which are not (or cannot be) directly measured. A soft model consists of two submodels: an internal and external one. Internal model is a system of equations of unobservable (latent) variables; it describes relationships that result from assumed economic theory. External model is a system of relationships between unobservable and observable variables (so-called indicators) which are used to indirectly describe latent variables. We distinguish reflecting and creating indicators. Construction of models of economic situation for Polish and Italian Industries has been described. Specification and estimation results have been compared to show the possibility of analysis of factors influencing economic situation by using soft models. The models presented are based on assumption that among the processes that shape economic situation we can distinguish long-term economic conditions (growth trend), short-term (current) economic conditions, and changes in long-term economic conditions. Specification of indicators is based on IRG and ISCO questionnaires. We assume that futurę economic conditions are significantly influenced by optimists who give favorable answers to questions included in questionnaires. This is the basis for selecting creating indicators. We also assume that reflecting indicators are represented by balances of favorable and unfavorable answers which corresponds to hypothesis that economic conditions are reflected in “average” opinion of entrepreneurs. Results of calculations (estimation of parameters and values of latent variables) suggest that the larger percentage of entrepreneurs form optimistic assessment of orders, the faster economic growth proceeds. In case of short-term economic conditions, creating indicators are the following: current favorable assessments of changes in employment level, output, and overall assessment of economic situation. Changes in long-term economic conditions are reflected in balances of expectations concerning changes in output, orders, export orders, financial standing, and overall assessment of economic situation; they are created, however, by expectations as to output increase and improvement in overall economic situation