Self-Citation as a Strategy for Research Visibility and Impact

Abstract

Self-citation, the practice of citing one’s previous work, is increasingly recognized as a strategy to enhance research visibility and impact. This study investigates the prevalence, motivations, and ethical considerations of self-citation among researchers in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of 200 research articles with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with 20 faculty members. The quantitative findings revealed that self-citation rates varied significantly across disciplines, with a mean rate of 15.2%. Regression analysis indicated that overall citation count, h-index, and the number of publications were significant predictors of self-citation rates, while years since the first publication showed no significant effect. Qualitative analysis identified four major themes: motivations for self-citation, ethical considerations, disciplinary norms, and strategies for self-citation. Researchers cited professional advancement and knowledge continuity as primary motivations, while ethical concerns about the overuse of self-citation were tempered by discipline-specific norms and career stage pressures. The study concludes that self-citation when employed judiciously, can be a valuable tool for researchers seeking to enhance their academic profile, though it must be balanced with ethical considerations to maintain academic integrity. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of self-citation practices, offering implications for researchers, academic institutions, and policymakers aiming to foster responsible research practices.