[Efficiency after the injuries at work: an empirical study for mutual societies partnering with Social Security in...

This study sought to understand the performance of the Mutual Societies in Spain between 2012 and 2022 through three objectives: to evaluate their relative efficiency; to analyze the evolution of their performance over time; and to determine which external or environmental factors influenced their efficiency levels within the context in which they operate.

All the Mutual Societies operating in Spain were analyzed using the non-parametric technique of Data Envelopment Analysis and the super-efficiency model during the 2012-2022 period. Additionally, the analysis was complemented by applying the Malmquist Productivity Index to study the evolution of their performance over time, as well as the Simar and Wilson procedure to identify the drivers of efficiency.

The Mutual Societies presented an average efficiency level of 0.9 throughout the entire period, and by the end of it, half had reached the production frontier. Similarly, it was observed that operational efficiency was the main factor that kept the mutual societies competitive. Key determinants of efficiency and super-efficiency included the proportion of members in the special agricultural regime, the social cost of incidence, and geographical location.

Efficiency is a defining characteristic of the Mutual Societies, though there remains room for improvement within such a socially and economically significant sector. This study provides strategic recommendations for optimizing efficiency and emphasizes the need for greater transparency in data publication.