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Defining, measuring, and rewarding scholarly impact: mind the level of analysis

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  • Ramani, Ravi S.
  • Aguinis, Herman
  • Coyle-Shapiro, Jacqueline A.M.

Abstract

We address the grossly incorrect inferences that result from using journal impact factor (JIF) as a proxy to assess individual researcher and article scholarly impact. This invalid practice occurs because of confusion about the definition and measurement of impact at different levels of analysis. Specifically, JIF is a journal-level measure of impact, computed by aggregating citations of individual articles (i.e., upward effect), and is therefore inappropriate when measuring impact at lower levels of analysis, such as that of individual researchers, or of individual articles published in a particular journal (i.e., downward effect). We illustrate the severity of the errors that occur when using JIF to evaluate individual scholarly impact, and advocate for an immediate moratorium on the exclusive use of JIF and other journal-level (i.e., higher level of analysis) measures when assessing the impact of individual researchers and individual articles (i.e., lower level of analysis). Given the importance and interest in assessing the scholarly impact of researchers and articles, we delineate level-appropriate and readily available measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramani, Ravi S. & Aguinis, Herman & Coyle-Shapiro, Jacqueline A.M., 2022. "Defining, measuring, and rewarding scholarly impact: mind the level of analysis," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 117286, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:117286
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    1. Hensel, Przemysław & Tatarynowicz, Adam, 2024. "Perceived context typicality and beliefs in the generalizability of management research findings," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(6).
    2. Kickul, Jill & Griffiths, Mark & Brännback, Malin & Robb, Colleen C., 2023. "Don't always judge an article by its cover: An examination of proxies for journal impact and citations in entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 20(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General

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