Gender differences and factors affecting publication productivity among Australian university academics

Abstract

This article examines gender differences in publication productivity and factors correlated with high productivity in Australian universities, during the periods 1991–3 and 2005–7. Measured as a weighted sum of books and journal articles, females reported significantly fewer publications than men during both periods. Gender differences appear to have reduced over time, with female publishing increasing from 57 percent of the male average in 1991–3 to 76 percent in 2005–7. Statistical analyses reveal that women published at similar levels to men of equal rank during both periods, except among Level A staff in 1991–3 where males published significantly more. Academic rank, doctorate qualifications, research time and international research collaboration were the strongest factors positively associated with publication productivity, but women typically reported significantly lower levels on each of these factors. Institutional and family characteristics were comparably poor predictors.