Objective.The h-index is the most diffused bibliometric measure to evaluate publication performance at the author level. Despite its popularity, it is unable to provide a thorough ranking of the authors since it generates many ties. This problem is especially severe in the lower part of the distribution and is a serious shortcoming because the h-index is used in a variety of decision-making situations that have profound impacts at both the personal and institutional levels.Method.Wepropose a method to differentiate authors with the same h-index, thereby solving the problem ofthe ties.Results.We conduct an empirical analysis covering 472 economists from the departments of economics of the top 10 world universities. When the h-index and the measure proposed in this study are considered together, the problem of the ties diminishes dramatically.Conclusion.In thisstudy, we add to the available metrics aiming to increase fairness in ranking and selection processes.

This work was supported by the Fundacão para a Ciência e a Tecnologia under grant UID/GES/00315/2019. The usual disclaimer applies.

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