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Ranking Games

Author

Listed:
  • Margit Osterloh
  • Bruno S. Frey

Abstract

Background: Research rankings based on bibliometrics today dominate governance in academia and determine careers in universities. Method: Analytical approach to capture the incentives by users of rankings and by suppliers of rankings, both on an individual and an aggregate level. Result: Rankings may produce unintended negative side effects. In particular, rankings substitute the “taste for science†by a “taste for publication.†We show that the usefulness of rankings rests on several important assumptions challenged by recent research. Conclusion: We suggest as alternatives careful socialization and selection of scholars, supplemented by periodic self-evaluations and awards. The aim is to encourage controversial discourses in order to contribute meaningful to the advancement of science.

Suggested Citation

  • Margit Osterloh & Bruno S. Frey, 2015. "Ranking Games," Evaluation Review, , vol. 39(1), pages 102-129, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:39:y:2015:i:1:p:102-129
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X14524957
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    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. Bruno Frey's academic utopia
      by Economic Logician in Economic Logic on 2011-09-27 19:38:00

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    Cited by:

    1. Saira Maqbool & Rabia Bahoo & Muhammad Shakir, 2019. "Exploring Determiners of Achievements of Degree Students (Pakistan) in Academic English," Global Regional Review, Humanity Only, vol. 4(3), pages 64-72, September.
    2. van Dalen, Hendrik Peter, 2020. "How the Publish-or-Perish Principle Divides a Science : The Case of Academic Economists," Discussion Paper 2020-020, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
    3. Hendrik P. van Dalen, 2019. "Values of Economists Matter in the Art and Science of Economics," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 72(3), pages 472-499, August.
    4. repec:esx:essedp:757 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Stefan, Matthias & Huber, Jürgen & Kirchler, Michael & Sutter, Matthias & Walzl, Markus, 2023. "Monetary and social incentives in multi-tasking: The ranking substitution effect," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    6. Régibeau, P & Rockett, K, 2014. "A Tale of Two Metrics: Research Assessment vs Recognised Excellence," Economics Discussion Papers 14461, University of Essex, Department of Economics.
    7. Siler, Kyle & Larivière, Vincent, 2022. "Who games metrics and rankings? Institutional niches and journal impact factor inflation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(10).

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact
    • H83 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Public Administration
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • M50 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - General

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