Worlds of Rankings

This volume explores the allure of rankings in various empirical settings, advancing our understanding of their production, institutionalization, and effects, sparking new debates and suggesting promising pathways forward.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Over the past few decades, we have seen a surge in the use of quantitative public measures, which have had a significant impact on society. Research in the social sciences has shown that rankings, in particular, have become a powerful force driving both desired and undesired social change in various aspects of modern life. This volume aims to explore the unique appeal of rankings across different empirical contexts, including healthcare, the IT sector, the arts, professional sports, anti-slavery advocacy, the pharma industry, and educational governance. By drawing from a diverse range of social theories and methodologies, the contributions to this volume provide valuable insights into the production, institutionalization, and effects of rankings, leading to new debates and offering promising avenues for future research.

Rankings have become an increasingly prevalent feature of modern society, influencing various aspects of our lives. In this volume, we examine the allure of rankings in diverse empirical settings, such as healthcare, the IT sector, the arts, professional sports, anti-slavery advocacy, the pharma industry, and educational governance. We explore the ways in which rankings are produced, institutionalized, and perceived by different stakeholders, and the impact they have on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

Drawing from a rich variety of social theories and methodologies, the contributions to this volume advance our understanding of the production, institutionalization, and effects of rankings. They spark new debates and suggest promising pathways forward for research and practice.

In healthcare, rankings have been used to measure and compare the quality of medical services, facilities, and outcomes. They have been instrumental in driving improvements in patient care and outcomes, as well as in promoting transparency and accountability in the healthcare system. However,rankings can also be subject to biases, limitations, and misinterpretations, which can lead to unintended consequences.

In the IT sector, rankings have become a key tool for evaluating the performance and innovation of companies. They have been used to attract investment, attract talent, and drive competition. However,rankings can also be influenced by factors such as marketing strategies, publicity, and industry trends, which may not accurately reflect the true value of a company.

In the arts, rankings have been used to evaluate the quality and popularity of artists, artworks, and institutions. They have been used to determine funding, exhibition opportunities, and public recognition. However,rankings can also be subjective and may not reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of artists and audiences.

In professional sports, rankings have been used to measure and compare the performance of athletes, teams, and leagues. They have been used to determine championship titles, player contracts, and media coverage. However,rankings can also be influenced by factors such as performance-enhancing drugs, cheating, and organizational politics.

In anti-slavery advocacy, rankings have been used to measure and compare the efforts of governments, organizations, and individuals to combat slavery and human trafficking. They have been used to promote accountability, encourage collaboration, and drive policy change. However,rankings can also be subject to biases and limitations, which may not accurately reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue.

In the pharma industry, rankings have been used to measure and compare the performance of pharmaceutical companies. They have been used to determine market share, research and development investments, and patient outcomes. However, rankings can also be influenced by factors such as marketing strategies, regulatory compliance, and financial incentives, which may not accurately reflect the quality of a company's products or services.

In educational governance, rankings have been used to measure and compare the performance of schools, districts, and states. They have been used to determine funding, accreditation, and public recognition. However, rankings can also be influenced by factors such as test scores, graduation rates, and demographic characteristics, which may not accurately reflect the quality of education provided.

Overall, this volume provides valuable insights into the allure of rankings in diverse empirical settings. It highlights the ways in which rankings are produced, institutionalized, and perceived by different stakeholders, and the impact they have on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. By drawing from a rich variety of social theories and methodologies, the contributions to this volume advance our understanding of the production, institutionalization, and effects of rankings, leading to new debates and offering promising pathways forward for research and practice.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801171069