What does affiliation (for a publication) signify?

The name of the pictureThe name of the pictureThe name of the pictureClash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP











up vote
4
down vote

favorite












This question is triggered by the (somewhat off topic there) comment thread about an employer who does not want to appear as affiliation for a paper, and the subsequent thoughts of whether an employer can deny an employee the right to give them (employer) as affiliation for a publication.



My question is whether affiliation means



  • the author publishes on behalf of the affiliated institution, i.e. while the author takes personal responsibility with the content of the publication, the affiliated institution also approves the work (typcially to the extent that their facilities were used and possibly they did pay the author wages for performing the work).

    The relationship between institution and work may be somewhat more loose if there's a disclaimer that the publication expresses the author's personal opinions and not necessarily the insititution's.
    versus

  • the author is merely employed at (or associated as student with) the affiliated institution, without any implication of whether the institution approves of the work or not, did pay the employee vs. the author did it in their free time, etc.

Or, in other words, how much of a connection to the publication does an affiliation imply?




This is similar to the questions posed in this answer.




Edit: of course, affiliation is part of the address. But assume here that "how to contact the author" is taken care of in the correspondence (email) address.










share|improve this question



























    up vote
    4
    down vote

    favorite












    This question is triggered by the (somewhat off topic there) comment thread about an employer who does not want to appear as affiliation for a paper, and the subsequent thoughts of whether an employer can deny an employee the right to give them (employer) as affiliation for a publication.



    My question is whether affiliation means



    • the author publishes on behalf of the affiliated institution, i.e. while the author takes personal responsibility with the content of the publication, the affiliated institution also approves the work (typcially to the extent that their facilities were used and possibly they did pay the author wages for performing the work).

      The relationship between institution and work may be somewhat more loose if there's a disclaimer that the publication expresses the author's personal opinions and not necessarily the insititution's.
      versus

    • the author is merely employed at (or associated as student with) the affiliated institution, without any implication of whether the institution approves of the work or not, did pay the employee vs. the author did it in their free time, etc.

    Or, in other words, how much of a connection to the publication does an affiliation imply?




    This is similar to the questions posed in this answer.




    Edit: of course, affiliation is part of the address. But assume here that "how to contact the author" is taken care of in the correspondence (email) address.










    share|improve this question

























      up vote
      4
      down vote

      favorite









      up vote
      4
      down vote

      favorite











      This question is triggered by the (somewhat off topic there) comment thread about an employer who does not want to appear as affiliation for a paper, and the subsequent thoughts of whether an employer can deny an employee the right to give them (employer) as affiliation for a publication.



      My question is whether affiliation means



      • the author publishes on behalf of the affiliated institution, i.e. while the author takes personal responsibility with the content of the publication, the affiliated institution also approves the work (typcially to the extent that their facilities were used and possibly they did pay the author wages for performing the work).

        The relationship between institution and work may be somewhat more loose if there's a disclaimer that the publication expresses the author's personal opinions and not necessarily the insititution's.
        versus

      • the author is merely employed at (or associated as student with) the affiliated institution, without any implication of whether the institution approves of the work or not, did pay the employee vs. the author did it in their free time, etc.

      Or, in other words, how much of a connection to the publication does an affiliation imply?




      This is similar to the questions posed in this answer.




      Edit: of course, affiliation is part of the address. But assume here that "how to contact the author" is taken care of in the correspondence (email) address.










      share|improve this question















      This question is triggered by the (somewhat off topic there) comment thread about an employer who does not want to appear as affiliation for a paper, and the subsequent thoughts of whether an employer can deny an employee the right to give them (employer) as affiliation for a publication.



      My question is whether affiliation means



      • the author publishes on behalf of the affiliated institution, i.e. while the author takes personal responsibility with the content of the publication, the affiliated institution also approves the work (typcially to the extent that their facilities were used and possibly they did pay the author wages for performing the work).

        The relationship between institution and work may be somewhat more loose if there's a disclaimer that the publication expresses the author's personal opinions and not necessarily the insititution's.
        versus

      • the author is merely employed at (or associated as student with) the affiliated institution, without any implication of whether the institution approves of the work or not, did pay the employee vs. the author did it in their free time, etc.

      Or, in other words, how much of a connection to the publication does an affiliation imply?




      This is similar to the questions posed in this answer.




      Edit: of course, affiliation is part of the address. But assume here that "how to contact the author" is taken care of in the correspondence (email) address.







      affiliation






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited 3 hours ago









      user2768

      6,61312035




      6,61312035










      asked 6 hours ago









      cbeleites

      12.6k2451




      12.6k2451




















          2 Answers
          2






          active

          oldest

          votes

















          up vote
          3
          down vote













          Affiliation could mean anything, or nothing at all. In most cases it doesn't mean that the organization approves or even knows of the publication beforehand. In some companies you sign a contract that lets the organization vet your public work, but not in others and not in most universities. In those companies it usually only means that they approve of the fact that you are publishing, but not necessarily of the content. There can be exceptions, however, as when you are working with sensitive information, such as trade secrets.



          When I published, I listed my employer (a university) as my affiliation, but that was for identification purposes only. I probably still would, though I'm retired. I might, instead list none or independent researcher or my DBA (Doing Business As) persona.



          I think that publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes, nothing more. However, for some affiliations, you have a sort of implied aura that gives the editor a warm and fuzzy feeling.






          share|improve this answer




















          • Aha. Seems I've found some more cultural differences - see my comment to CapeCode's answer: German institutions may be more interested in creating that warm and fuzzy aura... :->
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago











          • "publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes," which isn't particularly efficient and is perhaps becoming obsolete in light of identifiers such as ORCID
            – user2768
            3 hours ago

















          up vote
          2
          down vote













          Generally listing affiliation serves two purposes:



          1. For readers it helps with locating authors to contact them (for questions on their work, collaboration, reprints, etc.)


          2. The institution, be it a university, a graduate school, a hospital, etc. can list the published research wherever they need to show research activity record. This is often critical for funds and resources allocation.


          Usually, the principle of academic freedom (which notably isn't about a right to skip classes as many students seem to believe) should imply that the views are of the author alone. In reality I think you can't prevent readers, especially in the general public, from inferring some sort of endorsement by the institution. Thus papers published by prestigious universities' affiliates might be seen as more "valid". Within a research field I have not seen significant evidence of this though.






          share|improve this answer




















          • Over here in Germany, full acadmic freedom is reserved to professors. And my experience both at university and non-university basic research institutes is the head of department/institute director either very much reserving their right to decide whether a paper can be submitted (regardless of being coauthor), saying they excercise their right as employer to decide "what leaves the institute" or "I trust your professional judgment that the paper is ready for submission". In any case, something I'd call an endorsement. Good to know that there are cultural differences.
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites hmm I think I see what you mean. I have also seen this kind of behavior in the US but generally only from the direct supervisor. I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish.
            – Cape Code
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites, to be clear, the definition of "Professor" is somewhat different in the US and in Germany. In the US everyone (above post-docs) is a "professor" of some sort, even new hires - Assistant Professor. In Germany, I believe it means Department Head and there is only one per department. Did I get it right? In the US, I don't have to get permission from my Department Chair to publish anything. We are considered equals for all but administrative purposes.
            – Buffy
            3 hours ago










          • I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish — I wouldn't! (What's the exact opposite of applaud?)
            – JeffE
            16 mins ago










          Your Answer







          StackExchange.ready(function()
          var channelOptions =
          tags: "".split(" "),
          id: "415"
          ;
          initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

          StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
          // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
          if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
          StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
          createEditor();
          );

          else
          createEditor();

          );

          function createEditor()
          StackExchange.prepareEditor(
          heartbeatType: 'answer',
          convertImagesToLinks: true,
          noModals: false,
          showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
          reputationToPostImages: 10,
          bindNavPrevention: true,
          postfix: "",
          noCode: true, onDemand: true,
          discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
          ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
          );



          );













           

          draft saved


          draft discarded


















          StackExchange.ready(
          function ()
          StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2facademia.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f117429%2fwhat-does-affiliation-for-a-publication-signify%23new-answer', 'question_page');

          );

          Post as a guest






























          2 Answers
          2






          active

          oldest

          votes








          2 Answers
          2






          active

          oldest

          votes









          active

          oldest

          votes






          active

          oldest

          votes








          up vote
          3
          down vote













          Affiliation could mean anything, or nothing at all. In most cases it doesn't mean that the organization approves or even knows of the publication beforehand. In some companies you sign a contract that lets the organization vet your public work, but not in others and not in most universities. In those companies it usually only means that they approve of the fact that you are publishing, but not necessarily of the content. There can be exceptions, however, as when you are working with sensitive information, such as trade secrets.



          When I published, I listed my employer (a university) as my affiliation, but that was for identification purposes only. I probably still would, though I'm retired. I might, instead list none or independent researcher or my DBA (Doing Business As) persona.



          I think that publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes, nothing more. However, for some affiliations, you have a sort of implied aura that gives the editor a warm and fuzzy feeling.






          share|improve this answer




















          • Aha. Seems I've found some more cultural differences - see my comment to CapeCode's answer: German institutions may be more interested in creating that warm and fuzzy aura... :->
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago











          • "publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes," which isn't particularly efficient and is perhaps becoming obsolete in light of identifiers such as ORCID
            – user2768
            3 hours ago














          up vote
          3
          down vote













          Affiliation could mean anything, or nothing at all. In most cases it doesn't mean that the organization approves or even knows of the publication beforehand. In some companies you sign a contract that lets the organization vet your public work, but not in others and not in most universities. In those companies it usually only means that they approve of the fact that you are publishing, but not necessarily of the content. There can be exceptions, however, as when you are working with sensitive information, such as trade secrets.



          When I published, I listed my employer (a university) as my affiliation, but that was for identification purposes only. I probably still would, though I'm retired. I might, instead list none or independent researcher or my DBA (Doing Business As) persona.



          I think that publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes, nothing more. However, for some affiliations, you have a sort of implied aura that gives the editor a warm and fuzzy feeling.






          share|improve this answer




















          • Aha. Seems I've found some more cultural differences - see my comment to CapeCode's answer: German institutions may be more interested in creating that warm and fuzzy aura... :->
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago











          • "publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes," which isn't particularly efficient and is perhaps becoming obsolete in light of identifiers such as ORCID
            – user2768
            3 hours ago












          up vote
          3
          down vote










          up vote
          3
          down vote









          Affiliation could mean anything, or nothing at all. In most cases it doesn't mean that the organization approves or even knows of the publication beforehand. In some companies you sign a contract that lets the organization vet your public work, but not in others and not in most universities. In those companies it usually only means that they approve of the fact that you are publishing, but not necessarily of the content. There can be exceptions, however, as when you are working with sensitive information, such as trade secrets.



          When I published, I listed my employer (a university) as my affiliation, but that was for identification purposes only. I probably still would, though I'm retired. I might, instead list none or independent researcher or my DBA (Doing Business As) persona.



          I think that publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes, nothing more. However, for some affiliations, you have a sort of implied aura that gives the editor a warm and fuzzy feeling.






          share|improve this answer












          Affiliation could mean anything, or nothing at all. In most cases it doesn't mean that the organization approves or even knows of the publication beforehand. In some companies you sign a contract that lets the organization vet your public work, but not in others and not in most universities. In those companies it usually only means that they approve of the fact that you are publishing, but not necessarily of the content. There can be exceptions, however, as when you are working with sensitive information, such as trade secrets.



          When I published, I listed my employer (a university) as my affiliation, but that was for identification purposes only. I probably still would, though I'm retired. I might, instead list none or independent researcher or my DBA (Doing Business As) persona.



          I think that publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes, nothing more. However, for some affiliations, you have a sort of implied aura that gives the editor a warm and fuzzy feeling.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered 5 hours ago









          Buffy

          18.7k560103




          18.7k560103











          • Aha. Seems I've found some more cultural differences - see my comment to CapeCode's answer: German institutions may be more interested in creating that warm and fuzzy aura... :->
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago











          • "publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes," which isn't particularly efficient and is perhaps becoming obsolete in light of identifiers such as ORCID
            – user2768
            3 hours ago
















          • Aha. Seems I've found some more cultural differences - see my comment to CapeCode's answer: German institutions may be more interested in creating that warm and fuzzy aura... :->
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago











          • "publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes," which isn't particularly efficient and is perhaps becoming obsolete in light of identifiers such as ORCID
            – user2768
            3 hours ago















          Aha. Seems I've found some more cultural differences - see my comment to CapeCode's answer: German institutions may be more interested in creating that warm and fuzzy aura... :->
          – cbeleites
          5 hours ago





          Aha. Seems I've found some more cultural differences - see my comment to CapeCode's answer: German institutions may be more interested in creating that warm and fuzzy aura... :->
          – cbeleites
          5 hours ago













          "publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes," which isn't particularly efficient and is perhaps becoming obsolete in light of identifiers such as ORCID
          – user2768
          3 hours ago




          "publishers want it almost entirely for identification purposes," which isn't particularly efficient and is perhaps becoming obsolete in light of identifiers such as ORCID
          – user2768
          3 hours ago










          up vote
          2
          down vote













          Generally listing affiliation serves two purposes:



          1. For readers it helps with locating authors to contact them (for questions on their work, collaboration, reprints, etc.)


          2. The institution, be it a university, a graduate school, a hospital, etc. can list the published research wherever they need to show research activity record. This is often critical for funds and resources allocation.


          Usually, the principle of academic freedom (which notably isn't about a right to skip classes as many students seem to believe) should imply that the views are of the author alone. In reality I think you can't prevent readers, especially in the general public, from inferring some sort of endorsement by the institution. Thus papers published by prestigious universities' affiliates might be seen as more "valid". Within a research field I have not seen significant evidence of this though.






          share|improve this answer




















          • Over here in Germany, full acadmic freedom is reserved to professors. And my experience both at university and non-university basic research institutes is the head of department/institute director either very much reserving their right to decide whether a paper can be submitted (regardless of being coauthor), saying they excercise their right as employer to decide "what leaves the institute" or "I trust your professional judgment that the paper is ready for submission". In any case, something I'd call an endorsement. Good to know that there are cultural differences.
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites hmm I think I see what you mean. I have also seen this kind of behavior in the US but generally only from the direct supervisor. I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish.
            – Cape Code
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites, to be clear, the definition of "Professor" is somewhat different in the US and in Germany. In the US everyone (above post-docs) is a "professor" of some sort, even new hires - Assistant Professor. In Germany, I believe it means Department Head and there is only one per department. Did I get it right? In the US, I don't have to get permission from my Department Chair to publish anything. We are considered equals for all but administrative purposes.
            – Buffy
            3 hours ago










          • I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish — I wouldn't! (What's the exact opposite of applaud?)
            – JeffE
            16 mins ago














          up vote
          2
          down vote













          Generally listing affiliation serves two purposes:



          1. For readers it helps with locating authors to contact them (for questions on their work, collaboration, reprints, etc.)


          2. The institution, be it a university, a graduate school, a hospital, etc. can list the published research wherever they need to show research activity record. This is often critical for funds and resources allocation.


          Usually, the principle of academic freedom (which notably isn't about a right to skip classes as many students seem to believe) should imply that the views are of the author alone. In reality I think you can't prevent readers, especially in the general public, from inferring some sort of endorsement by the institution. Thus papers published by prestigious universities' affiliates might be seen as more "valid". Within a research field I have not seen significant evidence of this though.






          share|improve this answer




















          • Over here in Germany, full acadmic freedom is reserved to professors. And my experience both at university and non-university basic research institutes is the head of department/institute director either very much reserving their right to decide whether a paper can be submitted (regardless of being coauthor), saying they excercise their right as employer to decide "what leaves the institute" or "I trust your professional judgment that the paper is ready for submission". In any case, something I'd call an endorsement. Good to know that there are cultural differences.
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites hmm I think I see what you mean. I have also seen this kind of behavior in the US but generally only from the direct supervisor. I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish.
            – Cape Code
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites, to be clear, the definition of "Professor" is somewhat different in the US and in Germany. In the US everyone (above post-docs) is a "professor" of some sort, even new hires - Assistant Professor. In Germany, I believe it means Department Head and there is only one per department. Did I get it right? In the US, I don't have to get permission from my Department Chair to publish anything. We are considered equals for all but administrative purposes.
            – Buffy
            3 hours ago










          • I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish — I wouldn't! (What's the exact opposite of applaud?)
            – JeffE
            16 mins ago












          up vote
          2
          down vote










          up vote
          2
          down vote









          Generally listing affiliation serves two purposes:



          1. For readers it helps with locating authors to contact them (for questions on their work, collaboration, reprints, etc.)


          2. The institution, be it a university, a graduate school, a hospital, etc. can list the published research wherever they need to show research activity record. This is often critical for funds and resources allocation.


          Usually, the principle of academic freedom (which notably isn't about a right to skip classes as many students seem to believe) should imply that the views are of the author alone. In reality I think you can't prevent readers, especially in the general public, from inferring some sort of endorsement by the institution. Thus papers published by prestigious universities' affiliates might be seen as more "valid". Within a research field I have not seen significant evidence of this though.






          share|improve this answer












          Generally listing affiliation serves two purposes:



          1. For readers it helps with locating authors to contact them (for questions on their work, collaboration, reprints, etc.)


          2. The institution, be it a university, a graduate school, a hospital, etc. can list the published research wherever they need to show research activity record. This is often critical for funds and resources allocation.


          Usually, the principle of academic freedom (which notably isn't about a right to skip classes as many students seem to believe) should imply that the views are of the author alone. In reality I think you can't prevent readers, especially in the general public, from inferring some sort of endorsement by the institution. Thus papers published by prestigious universities' affiliates might be seen as more "valid". Within a research field I have not seen significant evidence of this though.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered 5 hours ago









          Cape Code

          23.8k677127




          23.8k677127











          • Over here in Germany, full acadmic freedom is reserved to professors. And my experience both at university and non-university basic research institutes is the head of department/institute director either very much reserving their right to decide whether a paper can be submitted (regardless of being coauthor), saying they excercise their right as employer to decide "what leaves the institute" or "I trust your professional judgment that the paper is ready for submission". In any case, something I'd call an endorsement. Good to know that there are cultural differences.
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites hmm I think I see what you mean. I have also seen this kind of behavior in the US but generally only from the direct supervisor. I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish.
            – Cape Code
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites, to be clear, the definition of "Professor" is somewhat different in the US and in Germany. In the US everyone (above post-docs) is a "professor" of some sort, even new hires - Assistant Professor. In Germany, I believe it means Department Head and there is only one per department. Did I get it right? In the US, I don't have to get permission from my Department Chair to publish anything. We are considered equals for all but administrative purposes.
            – Buffy
            3 hours ago










          • I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish — I wouldn't! (What's the exact opposite of applaud?)
            – JeffE
            16 mins ago
















          • Over here in Germany, full acadmic freedom is reserved to professors. And my experience both at university and non-university basic research institutes is the head of department/institute director either very much reserving their right to decide whether a paper can be submitted (regardless of being coauthor), saying they excercise their right as employer to decide "what leaves the institute" or "I trust your professional judgment that the paper is ready for submission". In any case, something I'd call an endorsement. Good to know that there are cultural differences.
            – cbeleites
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites hmm I think I see what you mean. I have also seen this kind of behavior in the US but generally only from the direct supervisor. I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish.
            – Cape Code
            5 hours ago










          • @cbeleites, to be clear, the definition of "Professor" is somewhat different in the US and in Germany. In the US everyone (above post-docs) is a "professor" of some sort, even new hires - Assistant Professor. In Germany, I believe it means Department Head and there is only one per department. Did I get it right? In the US, I don't have to get permission from my Department Chair to publish anything. We are considered equals for all but administrative purposes.
            – Buffy
            3 hours ago










          • I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish — I wouldn't! (What's the exact opposite of applaud?)
            – JeffE
            16 mins ago















          Over here in Germany, full acadmic freedom is reserved to professors. And my experience both at university and non-university basic research institutes is the head of department/institute director either very much reserving their right to decide whether a paper can be submitted (regardless of being coauthor), saying they excercise their right as employer to decide "what leaves the institute" or "I trust your professional judgment that the paper is ready for submission". In any case, something I'd call an endorsement. Good to know that there are cultural differences.
          – cbeleites
          5 hours ago




          Over here in Germany, full acadmic freedom is reserved to professors. And my experience both at university and non-university basic research institutes is the head of department/institute director either very much reserving their right to decide whether a paper can be submitted (regardless of being coauthor), saying they excercise their right as employer to decide "what leaves the institute" or "I trust your professional judgment that the paper is ready for submission". In any case, something I'd call an endorsement. Good to know that there are cultural differences.
          – cbeleites
          5 hours ago












          @cbeleites hmm I think I see what you mean. I have also seen this kind of behavior in the US but generally only from the direct supervisor. I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish.
          – Cape Code
          5 hours ago




          @cbeleites hmm I think I see what you mean. I have also seen this kind of behavior in the US but generally only from the direct supervisor. I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish.
          – Cape Code
          5 hours ago












          @cbeleites, to be clear, the definition of "Professor" is somewhat different in the US and in Germany. In the US everyone (above post-docs) is a "professor" of some sort, even new hires - Assistant Professor. In Germany, I believe it means Department Head and there is only one per department. Did I get it right? In the US, I don't have to get permission from my Department Chair to publish anything. We are considered equals for all but administrative purposes.
          – Buffy
          3 hours ago




          @cbeleites, to be clear, the definition of "Professor" is somewhat different in the US and in Germany. In the US everyone (above post-docs) is a "professor" of some sort, even new hires - Assistant Professor. In Germany, I believe it means Department Head and there is only one per department. Did I get it right? In the US, I don't have to get permission from my Department Chair to publish anything. We are considered equals for all but administrative purposes.
          – Buffy
          3 hours ago












          I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish — I wouldn't! (What's the exact opposite of applaud?)
          – JeffE
          16 mins ago




          I think I would applaud a department that has some form of quality control over what it lets its members publish — I wouldn't! (What's the exact opposite of applaud?)
          – JeffE
          16 mins ago

















           

          draft saved


          draft discarded















































           


          draft saved


          draft discarded














          StackExchange.ready(
          function ()
          StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2facademia.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f117429%2fwhat-does-affiliation-for-a-publication-signify%23new-answer', 'question_page');

          );

          Post as a guest













































































          Comments

          Popular posts from this blog

          What does second last employer means? [closed]

          Installing NextGIS Connect into QGIS 3?

          One-line joke