Final answer:
Competitors are not a general factor that directly affects productivity; they influence market conditions but not the internal efficiency of a company. Methods and Management, Equipment and Technology, and Labour are all factors that affect productivity internally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the general factors that affect productivity in a business or economic context. Looking at the options provided, Methods and Management, Equipment and Technology, and Labour are all directly linked to productivity. They represent internal aspects of a business that can be managed to improve efficiency. On the other hand, Competitors are an external factor that impacts the market environment but do not directly affect the internal productivity of another company. While competitors might influence strategic decisions, they are not a direct factor in the productivity of a business.
Technological change, particularly the development of the transistor, has been a significant driver of productivity. It has allowed for miniaturization and efficiency in electronic devices, enabling workers to communicate and perform tasks more effectively. This advancement exemplifies how technological change can enhance productivity.