Examines a controversial analysis on U.S. productivity which was presented in "Management Practice." Article which states that measurements of U.S. productivity growth is frequently a plaything of politicians and high-level bureaucrats and helps their image; Article which examines the most frequently used remedies for the problem and finds them wanting; Example of the prescription that productivity can be spurred by boosting business confidence and through deregulation; Additional questioning in the article of the alleged decline of U.S. innovation.