5.2 Expert Interviews for Providing Additional Inputs …
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work…). When the criteria are met, the potential interviewee can be contacted
via LinkedIn® InMail system.
There are a few limitations while using LinkedIn for identifying interviewees.
The only resource spent by the author in the project is time. No monetary budget
is provisioned to deliver the research work. This can be limiting as LinkedIn®
enables only a certain number of features with a free access user profile. The
LinkedIn® algorithm detects certain patterns when using the search function. As
an example, when searches are done outside the geographical location or outside the LinkedIn® network of the user, the accuracy of the search results drops
significantly after about ten searches. The search function is then disabled and a
payment for a professional user access profile is requested. The search capabilities are redeemed weekly. After the first successful requests for connection with
potential interviewees, more searches in the newly extended LinkedIn network
are possible. Secondly, as a free user of the LinkedIn® professional network,
the user is not allowed to directly contact the potential interviewee. Only when
the connection through the platform is enabled, the user can write emails to the
recipient. This can be a significant issue as potential interviewee may not be willing to accept unsolicited communication. When the user is sending a request for
connection, the user is allowed for only 140 characters to motivate the connection.
Lacking the ability to present oneself and not being able to provide an explanation and a purpose for the solicitation may hinder considerably the odds of the
author to find interviewees. To overcome this issue, the author prepared a video
explaining the topic of research, the purpose of the interview and some practical
information regarding the interview. Three videos (Jaunatre 2020c, 2020b, 2020a)
are made for the three targeted types of interviewees. The videos are uploaded to
an online video platform. The link to the video is then added to the 140 characters
introduction message allowed for a LinkedIn free user. The videos have several
purposes. One is to overcome to inbuilt limitation of characters when request a
potential interviewee for a connection. The other one is to create empathy and
provide a human element to the request. This way, the author expects creating an
element of surprise and interest, increasing the chances of success in the quest
for interviewees. A semi-structured interview requires a certain degree of interest
and trust between the interviewer and the interviewee (Barriball 1994). About
half of the interviewees have been identified via LinkedIn®, with representatives
from the policy experts and hydrogen off-takers groups. The final limitation that
can be highlighted is possible discrepancy between the information published on
the LinkedIn® profile and the actual curriculum vitae of the interviewee. This is
mitigated by a short introduction requested at the beginning of the interviews to
verify the credentials of the interviewees.
55
work…). When the criteria are met, the potential interviewee can be contacted
via LinkedIn® InMail system.
There are a few limitations while using LinkedIn for identifying interviewees.
The only resource spent by the author in the project is time. No monetary budget
is provisioned to deliver the research work. This can be limiting as LinkedIn®
enables only a certain number of features with a free access user profile. The
LinkedIn® algorithm detects certain patterns when using the search function. As
an example, when searches are done outside the geographical location or outside the LinkedIn® network of the user, the accuracy of the search results drops
significantly after about ten searches. The search function is then disabled and a
payment for a professional user access profile is requested. The search capabilities are redeemed weekly. After the first successful requests for connection with
potential interviewees, more searches in the newly extended LinkedIn network
are possible. Secondly, as a free user of the LinkedIn® professional network,
the user is not allowed to directly contact the potential interviewee. Only when
the connection through the platform is enabled, the user can write emails to the
recipient. This can be a significant issue as potential interviewee may not be willing to accept unsolicited communication. When the user is sending a request for
connection, the user is allowed for only 140 characters to motivate the connection.
Lacking the ability to present oneself and not being able to provide an explanation and a purpose for the solicitation may hinder considerably the odds of the
author to find interviewees. To overcome this issue, the author prepared a video
explaining the topic of research, the purpose of the interview and some practical
information regarding the interview. Three videos (Jaunatre 2020c, 2020b, 2020a)
are made for the three targeted types of interviewees. The videos are uploaded to
an online video platform. The link to the video is then added to the 140 characters
introduction message allowed for a LinkedIn free user. The videos have several
purposes. One is to overcome to inbuilt limitation of characters when request a
potential interviewee for a connection. The other one is to create empathy and
provide a human element to the request. This way, the author expects creating an
element of surprise and interest, increasing the chances of success in the quest
for interviewees. A semi-structured interview requires a certain degree of interest
and trust between the interviewer and the interviewee (Barriball 1994). About
half of the interviewees have been identified via LinkedIn®, with representatives
from the policy experts and hydrogen off-takers groups. The final limitation that
can be highlighted is possible discrepancy between the information published on
the LinkedIn® profile and the actual curriculum vitae of the interviewee. This is
mitigated by a short introduction requested at the beginning of the interviews to
verify the credentials of the interviewees.