The model of maximum productivity for research universities SciVal author ranks, productivity, university rankings, and their implications

Aware of the growing importance of global rankings, universities aim to enhance their positions. However, the exact relation between research productivity and ranking positions is not fully understood in recruitment processes. Taking the field of communication as a case study, this paper analyzes the scholarly performances of 6291 faculty members from 172 QS top-ranked communication departments, and it also offers an experiment in which we tested top departments’ interest in recruiting a highly productive communication scholar. We found that while both departments and scholars are aware of the connection between productivity and excellence, there is still room for improvement. Even in the top ranked communication departments, there is a significant scarcity of best-performing scholars, but it is hard to employ a top scholar beyond the usual job posting methods. Contrary to the Standard Model of Productivity, whereby recruitment is based on assumptions and potential, we offer our Model of Maximum Productivity where both recruitment and assessments are based on scientometrics, productivity and evidence alone.