Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach

Abstract Financial inclusion remains a global concern due to the intricate interdependencies among various influencing factors. This research adopts a systems thinking framework to analyse these interconnections and address them. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both qualitative an...

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Main Authors: Aviksha Mungar-Jackpersad, Arnesh Telukdarie, Christian Tshukudu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-06-01
Series:Discover Sustainability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01323-5
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author Aviksha Mungar-Jackpersad
Arnesh Telukdarie
Christian Tshukudu
author_facet Aviksha Mungar-Jackpersad
Arnesh Telukdarie
Christian Tshukudu
author_sort Aviksha Mungar-Jackpersad
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Financial inclusion remains a global concern due to the intricate interdependencies among various influencing factors. This research adopts a systems thinking framework to analyse these interconnections and address them. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The qualitative analysis included a systematic literature review, database search, and the PRISMA framework to identify key variables influencing financial inclusion. The quantitative component utilised a word-to-vector methodology to measure semantic relationships among these variables. The findings reveal that while individual factors significantly impact financial inclusion within isolated themes, their influence diminishes when analysed within the broader systemic context. This aligns with the principles of systems thinking, emphasising the complexity of large-scale systems and the interconnected nature of variables. By visualising and quantifying these relationships, the study highlights the limitations of addressing financial inclusion through isolated interventions. The findings underscore the need for integrated, multi-faceted strategies considering systemic interactions. These insights provide a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to develop more targeted, effective interventions that promote equitable economic development. By understanding how key variables interact within the more extensive system, decision-makers can design policies that address financial inclusion more holistically, ensuring sustainable and impactful solutions across diverse regions. This research contributes to the growing discourse on financial inclusion by offering a structured, data-driven approach to understanding its complexities and guiding strategic policymaking efforts.
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spelling doaj-art-b2f3484338704e64a21c4ac6baa21ba42025-08-20T03:10:27ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-06-016113410.1007/s43621-025-01323-5Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approachAviksha Mungar-Jackpersad0Arnesh Telukdarie1Christian Tshukudu2University of JohannesburgUniversity of JohannesburgUniversity of JohannesburgAbstract Financial inclusion remains a global concern due to the intricate interdependencies among various influencing factors. This research adopts a systems thinking framework to analyse these interconnections and address them. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The qualitative analysis included a systematic literature review, database search, and the PRISMA framework to identify key variables influencing financial inclusion. The quantitative component utilised a word-to-vector methodology to measure semantic relationships among these variables. The findings reveal that while individual factors significantly impact financial inclusion within isolated themes, their influence diminishes when analysed within the broader systemic context. This aligns with the principles of systems thinking, emphasising the complexity of large-scale systems and the interconnected nature of variables. By visualising and quantifying these relationships, the study highlights the limitations of addressing financial inclusion through isolated interventions. The findings underscore the need for integrated, multi-faceted strategies considering systemic interactions. These insights provide a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to develop more targeted, effective interventions that promote equitable economic development. By understanding how key variables interact within the more extensive system, decision-makers can design policies that address financial inclusion more holistically, ensuring sustainable and impactful solutions across diverse regions. This research contributes to the growing discourse on financial inclusion by offering a structured, data-driven approach to understanding its complexities and guiding strategic policymaking efforts.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01323-5Financial inclusionFinancial technologyEconomic developmentSystems thinking
spellingShingle Aviksha Mungar-Jackpersad
Arnesh Telukdarie
Christian Tshukudu
Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach
Discover Sustainability
Financial inclusion
Financial technology
Economic development
Systems thinking
title Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach
title_full Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach
title_fullStr Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach
title_full_unstemmed Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach
title_short Financial inclusion for economic sustainability: a systems thinking approach
title_sort financial inclusion for economic sustainability a systems thinking approach
topic Financial inclusion
Financial technology
Economic development
Systems thinking
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01323-5
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AT arneshtelukdarie financialinclusionforeconomicsustainabilityasystemsthinkingapproach
AT christiantshukudu financialinclusionforeconomicsustainabilityasystemsthinkingapproach