Evaluating traditional, dynamic and network business models: an efficiency-based study of Chinese insurance companies

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is extensively adopted to evaluate the relative efficiencies of a group insurance companies from multidimensional perspective. Selecting an appropriate DEA framework for businesses, however, remains ambiguous. We use slack-based measure (SBM) models in four perspectives, namely, SBM, network SBM (NSBM), dynamic (DSBM), and (DNSBM) frameworks. present applicability 32 unique operating Chinese industry over sample period 2014–2018. Through analyses, we highlight key results related constraints reaching most performance benchmarks evaluating companies’ efficiencies. find that building structure efficiency evaluation necessary because superiority NSBM DNSBM those conventional DSBM models. After including effects, consistent divisional overall Overall, this study provides insight implement more efficient effective ways their performances terms profitability investment challenging business environment.