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Differences in scientific productivity of research units: Measurement and analysis of output inequality

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Abstract

Three aspects of inequalities in scientific productivity of research units-scientists within RUs, RUs in the full sample and its cross-section, and an aggregate approach, in which components referring to the first two types of inequality were distinguished—was used to analyse the causes underlying unequall productivity. Using inequality measure based on the theory of information (Theil measure) an inverse relationship between volume of productivity and its inequality was empirically found both within research units and among RUs of a given organizational system. Therefore identifying the soruces of variability of output inequalities may be helpful in drawing conclusions regarding to the absolute volumes of scientific productivity of RUs.

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  1. Institute of Economics Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Nowy Swiat 72, 00-330, Warszawa, (Poland)

    W. Okrasa

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  1. W. Okrasa
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Okrasa, W. Differences in scientific productivity of research units: Measurement and analysis of output inequality. Scientometrics 12, 221–239 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02016294

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