Measuring Science: Performance Metrics and the Allocation of Talent

This paper investigates how performance metrics, specifically citation metrics, affect the allocation of talent in academia. Using the introduction of the Science Citation Index (SCI) as a natural experiment, the study exploits the quasi-random variation in citation visibility due to the SCI's initial limited coverage of journals and years. The researchers find that citation metrics increased assortative matching between scientists and departments, disproportionately benefiting highly cited scientists in lower-ranked departments ('hidden stars'). However, minority groups did not experience a similar benefit. Furthermore, citation metrics significantly impacted promotion decisions.

Sebastian Hager, Carlo Schwarz, Fabian Waldinger