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Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent

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  • Waldinger, Fabian
  • Hager, Sebastian
  • Schwarz, Carlo

Abstract

We study how performance metrics affect the allocation of talent. We exploit the introduction of a new measure of scientific performance: citation metrics. For technical reasons, the first citation database only covered citations from certain journals and years. Thus, only a subset of citations became visible, while others remained invisible. We identify the effects of citation metrics by comparing the predictiveness of visible to invisible citations. Citation metrics increased assortative matching between scientists and departments. We also find that highly-cited scientists in lower-ranked departments (“hidden stars†) benefited from citation metrics, while minorities did not. Citation metrics also affected promotion decisions.

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  • Waldinger, Fabian & Hager, Sebastian & Schwarz, Carlo, 2023. "Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent," CEPR Discussion Papers 18248, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:18248
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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