The Use of Social Networks by Business Researchers. Comparison of Google Scholar and ResearchGate Usage by Scientists from Polish Economics Universities

Not only private but also professional contacts can be established and maintained with the use of social media. Specialized social media platforms like ResearchGate (RG) or Google Scholar (GS) can integrate scientists with similar interests, educational career or professional background. Web 2.0 tools and metrics offered by the platforms are used for both access to up-to-date research, quick communication and to build global research networks, create professional digital identities or evaluate/compare scientific achievements. The aim of the article is to show if ResearchGate and Google Scholar platforms are frequently used by Polish business researchers and indicate the differences between the values of metrics provided by RG and GS. The author explores the values of metrics provided by the platforms and their usefulness in the evaluation process. The paper presents the characteristics of metrics used by ResearchGate and Google Scholar. The author compares the values of three directly comparable metrics: citations, number of items and h-index provided by both RG and GS portals. The main part of the article is a comparative analysis of Google Scholar and ResearchGate usage by business scientists from Poland. Data of 364 researchers from three faculties of economics (top, middle and least prestigious – according the educational ranks) were collected. The performed literature review, the author’s experience and a comparative analysis indicate that specialized social networks are very helpful and easy to use, however not frequently used by Polish business researchers. Both Google Scholar and ResearchGate offer many metrics useful for research, the researcher and the department evaluation. Metrics calculated by RG are more insightful and allow for an in-depth analysis of achievements and the impact, while GS metrics are calculated not only in total but also for the last five years; therefore, they may be particularly useful to monitor recent scientific achievements and progress. The comparative analysis also showed that values of comparable Google Scholar metrics are higher than RG indicators and present business researchers in a better light.