Challenges and threats to quality in scholarly knowledge production: views of selected stakeholders from 17 countries

Abstract

This study applies Harvey and Green’s (1993) model of quality to scholarly knowledge production. Although studies of quality in higher education have been commonplace for decades, there is a gap in understanding quality in terms of research production from stakeholders’ perspectives. This study begins to fill that gap through a qualitative interview study of quality in the knowledge production process. Stakeholders in all parts of the scholarly knowledge production process, from 17 countries, are included in the data sample. Analysis of interview data extends Harvey and Green’s (1993) model into the realm of knowledge production. Definitions and challenges of quality in producing scholarly knowledge are discussed. The findings indicate a rift between the institutional view of quality and the individual perceptions of quality, suggesting the need for institutional policies that respond to stakeholders’ perceptions of quality in scholarly knowledge production and celebrate, rather than erase, epistemic diversity.