Academics as Paid Consultants to Nonuniversity Clients

摘要

Evidence on the impact of consulting-for-pay activities on faculties, universities, and student bodies is assessed. Surveys indicate that faculty members of academic institutions use less than 10 percent of their working time to supplement their basic salaries, with an additional income of about 15 percent. It is concluded that concerns expressed regarding the nature and extent of academic consulting for pay lacks a sound basis, particularly since consulting faculty members are generally more productive than their nonconsulting peers. Areas of university administration and Federal science practices and policies that may require reappraisal or change are indicated.