Interviews with university leadership 

The sampling is based on the population of universities at which the position of officers for appointment procedures is implemented. All state-funded German universities as well as Higher Education Institutions with equivalent status and the right to award doctorates were included. Specialised universities and universities of the German Armed Forces were excluded due to their structural specifics. The sampling strategy aimed to maximise the contrast of structural characteristics of the universities. The member of the university management responsible for appointment matters was contacted.