RESEARCH BRIEF RATES OF RETURN TO CITATION Available to Purchase

Research shows that the rates of return to citation are substantial in the context of the academic reward system. Since quantitative performance measures, notably publication and citation counts, are associated strongly with life‐cycle remuneration and career mobility, both should be utilised in research assessment exercises. This paper brings together empirical findings from the non‐interacting research literatures of economics and information science to make the case for using citation rates as a valid and cost‐effective proxy for quality in certain disciplines.