<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><sec id="j_jdis-2018-0023_s_006_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c17b1Aa"><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The “Norwegian model” has become widely used for assessment and resource allocation purposes. This paper investigates why this model has becomes so widespread and influential.</p></sec><sec id="j_jdis-2018-0023_s_007_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c17b2Aa"><h3>Approach</h3><p>A theoretical background is outlined in which the reduction of “uncertainty” is highlighted as a key feature of performance measurement systems. These theories are then drawn upon when revisiting previous studies of the Norwegian model, its use, and reactions to it, in Sweden.</p></sec><sec id="j_jdis-2018-0023_s_008_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c17b3Aa"><h3>Findings</h3><p>The empirical examples, which concern more formal use on the level of universities as well as responses from individual researchers, shows how particular parts—especially the “publication indicator”—are employed in Swedish academia. The discussion posits that the attractiveness of the Norwegian model largely can be explained by its ability to reduce complexity and uncertainty, even in fields where traditional bibliometric measurement is less applicable.</p></sec><sec id="j_jdis-2018-0023_s_009_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c17b4Aa"><h3>Research limitations</h3><p>The findings presented should be regarded as examples that can be used for discussion, but one should be careful to interpret these as representative for broader sentiments and trends.</p></sec><sec id="j_jdis-2018-0023_s_010_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c17b5Aa"><h3>Implications</h3><p>The sheer popularity of the Norwegian model, leading to its application in contexts for which it was not designed, can be seen as a major challenge for the future.</p></sec><sec id="j_jdis-2018-0023_s_011_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c17b6Aa"><h3>Originality</h3><p>This paper offers a novel perspective on the Norwegian model by focusing on its general “appeal”, rather than on its design, use or (mis)-use.</p></sec></abstract>

PurposeThe “Norwegian model” has become widely used for assessment and resource allocation purposes. This paper investigates why this model has becomes so widespread and influential.ApproachA theoretical background is outlined in which the reduction of “uncertainty” is highlighted as a key feature of performance measurement systems. These theories are then drawn upon when revisiting previous studies of the Norwegian model, its use, and reactions to it, in Sweden.FindingsThe empirical examples, which concern more formal use on the level of universities as well as responses from individual researchers, shows how particular parts—especially the “publication indicator”—are employed in Swedish academia. The discussion posits that the attractiveness of the Norwegian model largely can be explained by its ability to reduce complexity and uncertainty, even in fields where traditional bibliometric measurement is less applicable.Research limitationsThe findings presented should be regarded as examples that can be used for discussion, but one should be careful to interpret these as representative for broader sentiments and trends.ImplicationsThe sheer popularity of the Norwegian model, leading to its application in contexts for which it was not designed, can be seen as a major challenge for the future.OriginalityThis paper offers a novel perspective on the Norwegian model by focusing on its general “appeal”, rather than on its design, use or (mis)-use.

Taking Comfort in Points: The Appeal of the Norwegian Model in Sweden

Swedish School of Library and Information Science, University of Borås

Journal of Data and Information Science

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

{"article-title":"Taking Comfort in Points: The Appeal of the Norwegian Model in Sweden"}

PurposeThe “Norwegian model” has become widely used for assessment and resource allocation purposes. This paper investigates why this model has becomes so...

Taking Comfort in Points: The Appeal of the Norwegian Model in Sweden

Article Category: Research Paper

Publié en ligne: 07 déc. 2018

Pages: 85 - 95

Reçu: 07 sept. 2018

Accepté: 25 oct. 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jdis-2018-0023

Mots clés
The Norwegian model, Sweden, Uncertainty, Bibliometric indicators, Assessment systems

© 2018 Björn Hammarfelt, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Taking Comfort in Points: The Appeal of the Norwegian Model in Sweden

Article Category: Research Paper

Publié en ligne: 07 déc. 2018

Pages: 85 - 95

Reçu: 07 sept. 2018

Accepté: 25 oct. 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jdis-2018-0023

Mots clésThe Norwegian model, Sweden, Uncertainty, Bibliometric indicators, Assessment systems

© 2018 Björn Hammarfelt, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Mots clés
The Norwegian model, Sweden, Uncertainty, Bibliometric indicators, Assessment systems