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Variables associated with agricultural scientists' work alienation and publication productivity

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Abstract

This study focuses on work alienation and publication productivity of agricultural scientists in two international research centers. Previous research has been criticized because the variables emphasized have typically been poorly correlated with publication productivity. Additionally, although work alienation of professionals has received considerable attention in the literature, seldom has it been included in empirical studies of publication productivity. Results indicate two perceptions of structure, centralization and formalization, are significantly correlated with work alienation, but less so with publication productivity. Work alienation is significantly, but modestly, correlated with publication productivity. In a multiple regression analysis, work alienation proved to be less important than perceived centralization. Implications for supervisors of scientific staffs include reducing the layers of hierarchy and empowering staff by giving them a voice in research goals and organizational operations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Iowa State University, 50011, Ames, Iowa, (USA)

    C. L. Mulford & Lisa Waldner-Haugrud

  2. Central Institute for Cotton Research, 440001, Nagbur, MS, (India)

    Hemchandra Gajbhiye

Authors
  1. C. L. Mulford
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  2. Lisa Waldner-Haugrud
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  3. Hemchandra Gajbhiye
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Mulford, C.L., Waldner-Haugrud, L. & Gajbhiye, H. Variables associated with agricultural scientists' work alienation and publication productivity. Scientometrics 27, 261–282 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02016942

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02016942

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