Finding the Missing Link to Industry: LinkedIn Professional Groups as Facilitators of Empirical Research

Abstract

Conducting empirical research in industry is not an easy task. Previous research has discussed some of the challenges in this type of research and potential solutions have been proposed. However, conducting cross-organizational research introduces specific challenges, some of which are quite hard to overcome. In this paper, we present the use of professional interest groups in a professional social network, Linked In, as a way to recruit participant to an online survey. Using this social network, commonly used among practitioners, was found to be an effective research tool.