ESP-4398

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2025-12-22

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Vol. 10 No. 12 (2025): Published

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Review Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Chao Mei, Bity Salwana Alias*, Jamil bin Ahmad

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How to Cite

Chao Mei, Bity Salwana Alias, & Jamil bin Ahmad. (2025). Alumni engagement in higher education institutions: A comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR). Environment and Social Psychology, 10(12), ESP-4398. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i12.4398

Alumni engagement in higher education institutions: A comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR)

Chao Mei

Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia ; Alumni Affairs Office, Nanyang Normal University 473061, Nanyang, China

Bity Salwana Alias

Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Jamil bin Ahmad

Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i12.4398


Keywords: alumni engagement; higher education institution; alumni ecosystem; student career development; social exchange; relationship marketing; systematic literature review

Abstract

Under the guidance of Keele's suggested methodology, this systematic literature review (SLR) explores the application of alumni engagement in higher education institutions. The study, which was organized into phases for planning, reviewing, conducting, and reporting, sought to provide a thorough analysis of current trends, the theory and measurement of alumni engagement, and challenges to their application. Scopus and Web of Science databases and search terms were used to find 141 papers, of which 34 primary studies were chosen for study. 16 thematic clusters were identified by content and bibliometric analysis, underscoring the importance of alumni ecosystem and student career development in helping to comprehend alumni behavior and improve strategic relationship management procedures. It has become clear that promoting financial sustainability, encouraging lifelong loyalty, and improving graduate employability all depend heavily on strategic alumni engagement. In order to enhance institutional resilience and overall university reputation, the review highlights the significance of multidimensional perspectives and personalized communication in educational environments. Future studies should look into novel digital techniques to engaging diverse stakeholders, evaluate the impact of non-monetary contributions over an extended period of time, and analyze the roles of emerging technologies like AI. Despite the benefits of methodology, certain drawbacks are recognized, including possible biases in the literature selection process and an under-representation of non-Western views. By resolving these issues and including many disciplinary viewpoints, the study's robustness may be improved, and the connection between alumni engagement and higher education management can be better understood.

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