Trust in the academy: a conceptual framework for understanding trust on academic web profiles

Abstract

PurposeInstitutional and commercial web profiles that provide biobibliographic information about researchers are used for promotional purposes but also as information sources. In the latter case, the profiles' (re)presentations of researchers may be used to assess whether a researcher can be trusted. The article introduces a conceptual framework of how trust in researchers may be formed based on how the researchers' experiences and achievements are mobilized on the profiles to tell a multifaceted story of the “self.”Design/methodology/approachThe framework is an analytical product which draws on theories of trust as well as on previous research focused on academic web profiles and on researchers' perceptions of trust and credibility. Two dimensions of trust are identified as central to the theoretical construction of trust, namely competence and trustworthiness.FindingsThe framework outlines features of profile content and narrative that may influence the assessment of the profile and of the researcher's competence and trustworthiness. The assessment is understood as shaped by the frames of interpretation available to a particular audience.Originality/valueThe framework addresses the lack of a trust perspective in previous research about academic web profiles. It provides an analysis of how potential trust in the researcher may be formed on the profiles. An innovative contribution is the acknowledgement of both qualitative and quantitative indicators of trustworthiness and competence, including the richness of the story told about the “self.”

Researcher Profile System Adoption and Use Across Discipline and Rank: A Case Study at the University of Manitoba

“…Wu et al (2017) confirmed these reasons by conducting semistructured interviews with researchers at American institutions hosting institutional repositories, in addition to literature-seeking activity. Francke (2022) provides evidence that researchers use profiles for promotion and as a list of scholarly output. When faculty use profiles to list scholarly output, this, Francke argues, builds trust and credibility.…”

A conceptual framework for motivation factors influencing researchers' use of academic web profiles

“…A strong online presence is considered important by many academics as a channel to disseminate research publications and other achievements, connect with peers and for general outreach (Cheek and Øby, 2019; Greifeneder et al ., 2018; Mas-Bleda and Aguillo, 2013). A central element in researchers' online presence is the academic web profile , which is a ubiquitous genre of scholarly life (Hyland, 2011) that allows researchers “to display information both about themselves and their publications to various audiences online” (Francke, 2022, pp. 192–193).…”

“…192–193). The academic web profile can help researchers promote themselves and their work and serve as an information source for various stakeholders such as students, research funding agencies, professionals, journalists and policymakers (Francke, 2022). Researchers can choose from various channels when presenting themselves online: web profiles on institutional websites (universities, research groups, etc.…”