Faculty Consulting and Scientific Knowledge: A Traditional University-Industry Linkage

Abstract

In this article, faculty consulting activity is examined in the context of literature on university industry linkage mechanisms. Alternative hypotheses concerning the relationship between consulting and research productivity are developed around zero sum (time scarcity) and nonzero sum (complementary role) assumptions. Bivariate analysis on the basis of occupational groups indicates a positive relationship with productivity at low to moderate levels of consulting activity. The pattern is consistent with the complementary role thesis for all disciplinary groups except the Humanities. The general form of the relationship is sustained by an exploratory regression analysis involving selected controls for alternative sources of productivity variance. While additional research concerning casual relationships and effects on long-term knowledge production is needed, the evidence suggests that individual faculty consulting implies much more than income supplementation and should be the object of proactive human resource policies and practices.