On figuring out what matters (or know your local game of thrones).
Yesterday, I posted that absent context citation should not be paid attention to. The post was in the context of the "Stanford University 2%" most cited researchers list.
I advised, & stand by this, that paying attention to the Stanford list is nonsense. It's nothing more than a citation count. Its authors even acknowledge that the rankings based on the data could be problematic & so on ...
I maintain that early career researchers (and late-career, for that matter) should attend to research & training their students over seeking a spot on a problematic list.
However, an earlier-than-me career scholar pushed back - suggesting that paying attention to citations was important - bc it helped young PhDs land jobs.
He made a good point.
Early career scholars should be attentive to the factors that help them to secure & keep jobs.
So, given that I missed the context, how can you? Tease out the incentives in the academic world that you live in?
First, recognize that there are global & local incentive schemes.
Often what you are trained to view as important in a PhD program is global in that your field values it.
Usually, local hiring, tenure, & promotion requirements overlap with global standards.
However, there are differences, such as many schools place more emphasis on teaching & collegiality than you might think.
Your job is to learn the local rules.
Second, understand that research, teaching, service, & collegiality matter at every school.
Research is usually captured in how many published papers you have, the outlets they appear in, & the number of citations.
Teaching is idiosyncratic - evaluations, letters from students, & evidence of innovation - are often required.
Service usually weights local service as more important external service.
Collegiality simply means don't be a jerk - some schools like jerks more than others.
Schools differ in the weight they give each activity.
Your job is to ask senior people to understand how they weigh those activities.
Third, recognize what they told you when hired & what is ground truth, well, likely differ.
Most schools give you the rosy scenario. Often, the reality is like the hangover - a dumpster fire!
Sometimes, tenure documents seem rational. Often, the way people vote doesn't line up with the rules - another dumpster fire!
Your job is to quickly assess the discrepancy between what you were told or is in college documents & what is real.
Fourth, know that local contributions are essential.
Your first contribution is to your work unit, then the college, & so on.
Very few people earn tenure without doing local service.
Finally, you must pay attention to global incentives.
Local standards make sure you keep your job.
Global standards make you mobile.
Mobility will give you peace of mind.
So, in the end, yes pay attention to citations, if where you work cares about them!
Best of luck!
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