Technological Innovations and Their Impact on Alumni Engagement and Relationship Management in Higher Education
Keywords:
Alumni engagement, digital platforms, higher education, Punjab, technology adoption, relationship management, LinkedIn, alumni networksAbstract
The evolving digital ecosystem in higher education institutions (HEIs) has positioned alumni as critical stakeholders in institutional development, mentoring, and academic community building. Despite the growing adoption of digital platforms, empirical evidence on technology-mediated alumni engagement - particularly in the context of Indian HEIs – remains limited, creating a gap in understanding effective digital engagement strategies. This study aims to examine the role of technology-enabled alumni engagement practices in HEIs of Punjab, India, by analysing the relationship between demographic characteristics, digital interaction patterns, and perceived usefulness of technological tools in strengthening alumni–institution relationships. A mixed-method research design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data collected from 60 alumni across multiple HEIs with qualitative insights from two institutional representatives. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and correlation analysis to evaluate associations among demographic variables, online engagement frequency, and satisfaction with digital tools. Qualitative data were used to contextualize and interpret institutional perspectives. Findings indicate that over 80% of alumni prefer digitally supported engagement mechanisms, with LinkedIn and WhatsApp emerging as the most utilized platforms. Chi-square analysis reveals significant associations between alumni participation and year of graduation, program type, and campus placement history. Correlation results demonstrate a positive relationship between frequency of digital interaction and satisfaction with engagement initiatives. Qualitative evidence highlights strong appreciation for mentorship programs, online seminars, and professional networking, while identifying incomplete alumni databases and limited institutional support as key challenges. The study underscores the strategic importance of digital technologies in enhancing alumni affiliation, professional networking, and intergenerational collaboration. It recommends integrated digital engagement systems, continuous data updating, and personalized communication strategies to foster long-term alumni loyalty and mutually beneficial institutional relationships.
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