Research Assessment Exercises And Some Negative Consequences Of Journal Rankings And Citation Indices

This article focuses on the limitations of research assessment exercises, journal rankings and citation indices. It uses findings from a case study of Hong Kong’s Research Assessment Exercise and secondary sources on the British Research Assessment Exercise and New Zealand’s Performance Based Research Funding. It contrasts quality assurance with quality enhancement mechanisms, one based on compliance and the other on trust. It questions whether the short term benefits of gaining more publications and higher rankings can justify the potential negative consequences for the research culture, the development of younger, female and Indigenous researchers and the cost of implementing these exercises.