Unravelling the threads of belongingness: an investigation into the need for inclusion

Purpose This paper aims to gain insight into the current understanding of the need to belong and how its significance evolves over time, while also suggesting future research directions based on a comprehensive content analysis. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) and content analysis approach to explore the domain related to need to belong (NTB) until the year 2024. Following a methodologically structured approach, this research employed the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol. Further, the study synthesized 80 pertinent academic articles and organized them into a review framework using 4 W’s framework – What, Where, How and Why along with the Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methodology (TCCM) framework. Findings This SLR synthesizes the findings from a diverse array of studies. Various perspectives on defining, evaluating and fostering a sense of belonging have obstructed the much-needed advancement in this urgent and significant subject. The present study delineated the four primary themes and the corresponding four subthemes that emerged from the systematic clustering of scholarly articles within the literature review. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this research presents one of the initial SLRs focused on the concept of NTB that is grounded in a framework and outlines an agenda for future research.