Rethinking Output in Services

On the basis of two case-studies (commercial services and educational or training services) this article tries to point out the main types of output which can be &fined and possibly measured in order to extend to service activities the traditional approach of industrial output. Two lines are finally suggested, distinguishing between direct (or immediate) output, which designates the amount of services received; and indirect (or mediate) output, which would be the concepts of effects produced, beyond immediate supply, by the services on their beneficiaries (households or producers).