Directional duality theory directional duality theory (Q2505533)

In [Can. J. Math. 5, 364--383 (1953; Zbl 0052.16403)] \textit{G. C. Shephard} introduced radial distance functions as representations of a firm's technology. \textit{R. G. Chambers}, \textit{Y. Chung} and \textit{R. Färe} [J. Econ. Theory 70, No. 2, 407--419 (1996; Zbl 0866.90027) and \textit{R. G. Chambers}, \textit{R. Färe}, \textit{E. Jaenicke} and \textit{E. Lichtenberg} [J. Econom. 85, No. 1, 189--203 (1998; Zbl 1041.62520)] introduced directional distance functions, these can be thought of as additive alternatives to the corresponding radial concepts. In this paper, the radial approach is further extended by introducing and characterizing indirect directional distance functions; these are directional versions of their radial counterparts. This, in turn, leads to a new set of duality results that will be of use in applied work.