Stakeholder engagement in higher education: Loyalty as a moderating factor of ethos alignment on institutional reputation – A systematic literature review

Reputation management in higher education institutions (HEIs) increasingly relies on meaningful stakeholder engagement. Aligning institutional ethos with stakeholder values is vital for trust and legitimacy, while loyalty may moderate how this alignment influences perceived institutional reputation. Despite the relevance of these interconnections, existing research remains fragmented. This systematic literature review examines (1) how stakeholder engagement influences institutional reputation in HEIs and the role of ethos alignment in this relationship; (2) how stakeholder loyalty moderates the effect of ethos alignment on reputation; and (3) emerging patterns and gaps in literature addressing these constructs. Peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2014 and 2024 were included if they focused on higher education and engaged with at least one of the key concepts: stakeholder engagement, ethos alignment, loyalty, or institutional reputation. Eligible study types included qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and conceptual research. A comprehensive search across Web of Science, SCOPUS, ERIC, and Google Scholar yielded 499 records. Article screening and selection were conducted by a single reviewer following a PRISMA-guided protocol to enhance transparency and reduce bias. A thematic synthesis approach was employed. Preliminary findings indicate that stakeholder engagement positively influences institutional reputation, particularly when aligned with shared values. Loyalty amplifies this effect by reinforcing trust and long-term commitment. The review highlights key research gaps, including the limited integration of all four constructs in empirical studies and a lack of geographical diversity. This review contributes theoretical clarity and offers practical insights for HEI leaders and policymakers seeking to enhance stakeholder relationships and institutional standing through ethos-aligned engagement strategies moderated by loyalty.