A multidimensional approach to academic productivity

This study represents one of the first attempts to use empirical analysis to estimate academic productivity complex and proves the thesis that academic productivityis a function of multidimensional combination of the work of academic researchers: thescientific work, education, and external relationships. Given the complexity of academicproductivity, it is necessary to clarify that it is divided into scientific productivity of thefirst type (scientific publications); scientific productivity of the second type (awards andacademic positions); productivity in terms of external relationships (or external advice);and educational productivity. This objective of this paper is achieved through a samplesurvey (2,738 academics responded) conducted by Italian researchers from the PIRresearch project. The results obtained, however (as a case of estimates obtained using theresults of a sample survey), are the result of a working reality that Italian academics areflooded by a myriad of activities that are not always consistent with the primary aims of thework of a researcher with an organisational and environmental well-being at the limit ofiper productivity (or hyper productivity). The overall productivity (academic productivity)is significantly correlated with the four dimensions: average annual scientific productivityof the first type, average annual scientific productivity of the second type, the productivityexternal advice and, lastly, teaching productivity. The estimate of the sizes for the fourindicators of productivity are the result of a literature search of the primary techniques usedto assess productivity in academia. By comparing the most significant indicators, wemanaged to select all of the technical aspects missing in the Italian system of evaluation.This process allowed for us to add additional variables characterising the various aspects of productivity and prove the validity of our theory about the multidimensionality of academicproductivity.