Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent

73 Pages Posted: 7 Jun 2023 Last revised: 26 Dec 2023

See all articles by Sebastian Hager

Sebastian Hager

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Carlo Schwarz

Bocconi University - Department of Economics

Fabian Waldinger

LMU - Ludwig Maximilians Universität Munich

Date Written: July 09, 2024

Abstract

We study how performance metrics affect the allocation of talent by exploiting the introduction of the first citation database in science. For technical reasons, it only covered citations from certain journals and years, creating quasi-random variation: some 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 by reducing information frictions over geographic and intellectual distance. Highly-cited scientists from lower-ranked departments (“hidden stars”) and from minorities benefited more. Citation metrics also affected promotions and NSF-grants, suggesting Matthew effects.

Keywords: Performance metrics, History of Science, Allocation of Talent

Suggested Citation

Hager, Sebastian and Schwarz, Carlo and Waldinger, Fabian, Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent (July 09, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4472441 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4472441

Sebastian Hager

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) ( email )

Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1
Munich, DE Bavaria 80539
Germany

Carlo Schwarz (Contact Author)

Bocconi University - Department of Economics ( email )

Via Gobbi 5
Milan, 20136
Italy

Fabian Waldinger

LMU - Ludwig Maximilians Universität Munich ( email )

Germany

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