A metric-based perspective on institutional performance assessment: comparing altmetrics and traditional indicators

Purpose Altmetrics is being explored in different contexts by Scientometricians. Its potential for early impact assessment or prediction of future impact is one of the most widely explored themes. Many studies have explored the relationship between altmetrics and traditional indicators. But relationships at the level of actors in science and technology, such as individual scholars, institutions, etc. remain underexplored. Design/methodology/approach In this work, we have analysed the relationship between direct traditional, direct altmetric, derived traditional and derived altmetric indicators using Spearman's rank correlation. Findings Mendeley reads is found to be the most promising direct altmetric indicator. It is also determined to be a suitable source to derive many derived indicators. The potential of recently introduced indicators like ψ, x and xd to be used for creating derived altmetric indicators is also revealed. Research limitations/implications Implications of the study for stakeholders like institutional policymakers and research librarians/informetricians/scientometricians are also discussed. So are the avenues for further research that may strengthen the usefulness of altmetrics. Originality/value Institutional-level exploration of the relationship between traditional indicators and altmetric indicators (that includes direct as well as derived indicators) is novel. Also, Mendeley is identified as the source for designing derived altmetric indicators.