Evaluating research productivity: A case study of the rice scientists in India and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Measuring research productivity of the scientific community is important because it gives an insight to the research and development (R&D) of a particular country. A common method used for this purpose is the evaluation of the output of the research publications viz., research articles published in the journals and bulletins; presentations at workshops/ conference proceedings; books or chapters in books; technical reports etc. The patents and the awards received by the scientists are also considered as research productivity indicators. The present case study is aimed at evaluation of the research productivity of rice scientists in India and Sri Lanka through their publications and other research outputs. A questionnaire survey was administered among the scientists at the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), at Cuttack in the Orissa State of India and at the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI), at Batalagoda, Ibbagamuwa in Sri Lanka. This was supplemented by direct interviews with senior scientists and research administrators in the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in both countries. The mean research productivity was found to be significantly higher (p≤1) for Indian rice scientists compared to the Sri Lankan rice scientists. The possible reasons for this difference that emerged from this study are as follows. a) Publication of research is the most essential criterion for promotion and career development of Indian scientists; b) Many Indian journals are available for publication of rice research; and c) The majority of Indian rice scientists hold PhD degrees which is essential for conducting independent research. The study also indicated a policy insight for training Sri Lankan rice scientists up to PhD level for higher research productivity.