Grade inflation in the UK's 1996 research assessment exercise?

We examined the publishing of UK academics in the list of 20 prestigious business/management journals given by Doyle and Arthur. Comparisons were made between 1988–92 (RAE–92) and 1992–96 (RAE–96). We found that the UK increased its share of publications by about 20%. There were also 26% more staff in departments which were judged in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) to be internationally excellent. Since these figures are in balance, at the top end of the RAE rating scale there is no evidence of grade inflation from RAE–92 to RAE–96. But because they are no better than in balance, Doyle and Arthur's argument that the 1992 grades were already inflated may still apply. Non-business schools in the UK also increased their share in these journals, though by only 9%. The UK seems to maintain niche positions in particular journals.