Local use of metrics for the research assessment of academics: the case of Poland

Abstract

This article discusses the use of bibliometric indicators for the assessment of individual academics. We focused on national indicators for the assessment of productivity in Polish higher education institutions. We analysed whether institutions (N = 768) adopted national templates for their own sets of criteria for intra-institutional evaluations. This study combined an analysis of internal policy documents with semistructured interviews with deans from institutions in different fields of science. Our findings showed that, despite their high levels of institutional autonomy, the majority of institutions adopted the national criteria for the evaluation of individual academics. This article concludes with recommendations for reducing the negative consequences of local use of national indicators for the assessment of researchers.

Self-regulation system of continual improvement of quality and efficiency in higher education: A case of Ukraine

“…Moreover, Anderson et al (2022) emphasize the positive impact of metrics on the process of academic career management and the involvement of qualified academic staff. To do this, it is important to consider practical recommendations for reducing the negative consequences of the local application of indicators for evaluation by specialists (Kulczycki et al, 2021).…”

Глобалізаційні Виклики Розвитку Національних Економік

“…However, it will not be profitable, as it has been so far, to publish many articles of low scientific value. Indicators are introduced, not only to monitor, control, and assess institutions and academics, but also to influence and change their everyday work practices and publication behaviours (Kulczycki et al, 2021).…”