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Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastian Hager

    (LMU Munich)

  • Carlo Schwarz

    (Bocconi University)

  • Fabian Waldinger

    (LMU Munich)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Hager & Carlo Schwarz & Fabian Waldinger, 2023. "Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 455, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.
    • Handle: RePEc:rco:dpaper:455
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    performance metrics; allocation of talent; citations; scientists;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets

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