The Pretence of Publishing: A Beneficial Conspiracy for Academics

Abstract

Publishing activity as a measure of academic performance is a fertile research area and, frequently, leads to suggestions as to how such activity can be increased or receive greater recognition. This Commentary argues that the available evidence reveals that the majority of academics do not engage successfully and consistently in publishing. It is in the interests of policy-makers, administrators and academics, however, to maintain the illusion of its importance and prevalence. This serves both to promote the status and rewards of academics and it avoids the necessity of deciding how they should spend their time and how this should be measured and rewarded.

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