Modelling Students’ Experience Towards the Development of Alumni Involvement and Alumni Loyalty

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of students’ experience towards the development of alumni involvement and alumni loyalty in Malaysia. This study utilized the survey (questionnaire) method. Data are gathered from 347 respondents in one of the Public Higher Educational Institution (PHEI) in Malaysia. Results presented that students in this institution have low levels of alumni involvement (mean=1.23) and alumni loyalty (mean=1.76). Results also presented that in this institution, students’ experience is significantly related to alumni involvement (β=.42, p<.01) and alumni loyalty (β=.57, p<.01). This study contributed some new knowledge which can be channelled to all PHEIs in Malaysia to improve the level of alumni involvement and alumni loyalty. Good experience of students can be cultivated by improving several aspects on managerial side. Some recommendations to increase the level of students’ experience are discussed.

Influence of undergraduate experience on alumni loyalty to their alma mater in the Tanzania’s higher education context

“…From the literature review, these findings are consistent with the previous findings as reported by various researchers (e.g. Ropp, 2014;Saraih, et al, 2018;Hennig-Thurau, 2001). For example, Ropp (2014) reported that undergraduates who were provided with the institutional support they needed to accomplish their academic goals, were more likely to donate back to their alma mater.…”

“…For example, Ropp (2014) reported that undergraduates who were provided with the institutional support they needed to accomplish their academic goals, were more likely to donate back to their alma mater. Similar findings by Saraih et al (2018) showed that students who have a positive and satisfying experience while enrolled tend to develop lifelong relationships as alumni with their collegiate institutions. Also, a study of academic experience by Hennig-Thurau et al (2001) found that the quality of teaching experienced by students serves as a foundation of alumni loyalty.…”

“…The term students' experience has been widely used by scholars in various studies investigating the key factors influencing students or alumni satisfaction and loyalty in higher education (e.g. Saraih et al, 2018;Paswan & Ganesh, 2009). In the context of this study, student experience encompasses academic and social experiences.…”

“…Findings of various studies from Europe and Asia report a significant correlation between students' experience and future perceptions of their collegiate institutions. For example, Saraih et al (2018) asserts that students who have a positive and satisfying experience while enrolled tend to develop lifelong relationships as alumni with their collegiate institutions. A research of academic experience by Hennig-Thurau., Langer and Hansen (2001) found that the quality of teaching experienced by students is the key determinant of student loyalty.…”