Researchers’ work: are work measurement techniques applicable?

The strategy of scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation considers research personnel and human capital as the main focus of the state policy in the field of scientific and technological development. The state's current policy is aimed at creating favorable working conditions for academic and research staff as a key element of human capital capable of building scientific capacity for economic development. The impulse to reform the academic and research staff remuneration system was given in May 2012 by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation. Also the Government of the Russian Federation has developed and approved the program for the gradual improvement of labor remuneration system in state (municipal) institutions for 2012–2018. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the RF has taken a course towards creating a remuneration system in state (municipal) institutions based on the work measurement. However, in the opinion of the authors, the question of the possibility and appropriateness of the application of work measurement principles to intellectual research work remains controversial. Examination of the content of research work and various approaches to work management, as well as comparison with the existing institute of attestation of scientific workers led the authors to the conclusion that introducing the research work measurement system is inexpedient.