The role of Web of Science publications in China's tenure system

TL;DR

This paper investigates how Web of Science publications influence the tenure evaluation process in Chinese universities, highlighting the emphasis on research output over teaching and service in tenure decisions.

Contribution

It systematically analyzes Chinese tenure assessment documents to reveal the significant role of Web of Science publications in the process.

Findings

Web of Science publications are highly weighted in Chinese tenure evaluations.

Research excellence is prioritized over teaching and service in Chinese tenure decisions.

The study provides a comprehensive overview of the tenure assessment landscape in China.

Abstract

Tenure provides a permanent position to faculty in higher education institutions. In North America, it is granted to those who have established a record of excellence in research, teaching and services in a limited period. However, in China, research excellence represented by the number of Web of Science publications is highly weighted in the tenure assessment compared to excellence in teaching and services, but this has never been systematically investigated. By analyzing the tenure assessment documents from Chinese universities, this study reveals the role of Web of Science publications in China tenure system and presents the landscape of the tenure assessment process in Chinese higher education institutions.