The rhetoric and reality of research reputation: ‘fur coat and no knickers’

Abstract

Evaluation systems including global university rankings have been recently introduced as mechanisms for assessing overall academic quality, appraising research reputation and as a basis for funding and policy decisions. This study explores the concept of research reputation in terms of how it is defined, constituted and assessed. Eight professor-level academics from a range of disciplines based at European universities were interviewed. The findings highlight the subjective and multidimensional nature of research reputation, the role of informal and formal communications in creating and building research reputation, and the inter-relationships between academics, departments and institutions in enabling research reputation, individually and collectively. Given the problematic nature of research reputation, it is critical that higher education institutions engage in effective strategic reputation management at all levels. Consistency of understanding of research reputation should also exist among all users of ranking systems, particularly those involved in higher education policy and research strategy decision-making.

‘You're not just learning it, you're living it!’ Constructing the ‘good life’ in Australian university online promotional videos

“…As noted above, in the intensely competitive global knowledge economy, universities have increasingly looked toward marketing strategies as a means of distinguishing themselves from competitors. Although O'Loughlin, MacPhail, & Msetfi (2015) assert that both academic and university reputations are among the most important factors influencing the choice of prospective students, there is acknowledgement that:…”

Do non-academic professionals enhance universities’ performance? Reputation vs. organisation

“…Despite universities' efforts to become more entrepreneurial, external stakeholders such as: prospective students, employers and other universities, may continue to largely inform their choices based on reputation (O'Loughlin, MacPhail, and Msetfi 2015). In line with the neo-institutionalist argument, this paper assesses the claim that organisations and their outputs 'are not only the result of conscious design but are also influenced by institutional preferences and culture' (Steiner, Sundstrom, and Sammalisto 2013, 410).…”

“…Moreover, universities' efforts to improve their performance attainment are not futile, but longer periods of time may be needed for performance attainment to consolidate as reputation. In this sense, O'Loughlin, MacPhail, and Msetfi (2015) suggest that beyond strategic branding and marketing, it is important that HEIs are aware of the subjective nature of institutional reputation which is informally and historically determined. Finally, lessons can be derived about the external environment in which universities operate.…”

“…Fourth, the model controls for whether the university is located in Scotland (as opposed to England, Northern Ireland and Wales), Johnes and Taylor (1990) arguing that Scottish universities may display lower completion rates due to students embarking in longer courses as well as enrolling at an earlier age. Fifth, the foundation period is considered, as age may represent an asset in terms of institutional resources and reputation (O'Loughlin, MacPhail, and Msetfi 2015). A binary indicator is utilised to distinguish older universities from the universities founded in the post-1960 period characterised by great HE expansion.…”

De platformsamenleving. Strijd om publieke waarden in een online wereld

“…Daarbij is het bereiken van hoge posities in allerlei internationale ranglijsten een belangrijk doel geworden (Kopp, Ebner & Dorfer-Novak 2014). Niet alleen leidt dit tot strategisch reputatiemanagement van universiteiten om goed te scoren op de uiteenlopende indicatoren die worden gebruikt in de rankings (O'Loughlin, MacPhail & Msetfi 2013). Deze ontwikkeling draagt ook bij aan een steeds luidere roep om uitwisselbare standaarden op het gebied van diploma's en certificaten.…”