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Perception of stakeholders on corporate social responsibility of Islamic Banks in Jordan

Venere Di Bella (Europe Arab Bank, Milan, Italy)
Nedal Al-Fayoumi (College of Business and Economics, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar)

EuroMed Journal of Business

ISSN: 1450-2194

Article publication date: 3 May 2016

2012

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the various perceptions of stakeholders on corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Islamic Banks in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected from multiple stakeholder groups of two Islamic Banks in particular: Jordan Islamic Bank for Finance and Investment and Islamic International Arab Bank. The methods adopted to examine the data are the descriptive analysis and analysis of variance. With regard to the purpose of this research, the concept of Islamic CSR and its dimensions have been considered as: rooted in the Islamic ethical system, represented through the profit and loss arrangements, embedded within the principles behind financial services provided by Islamic Banks, and benchmarked by the Accounting and Auditing Organization of Islamic Financial Institutions’ (AAOIFI) corporate governance standard.

Findings

The results indicate that stakeholders have expressed a positive attitude toward the concept of CSR. Proving that the issue of CSR is an important factor in Islamic banking and to the perception of various stakeholders’ groups, the focus shifted into identifying the dimensions which shape the Islamic CSR. In reference to previous research results, the Islamic banking sector in Jordan has an in-built dimension that promotes social responsibility.

Practical implications

The study recommends that Islamic Banks improve CSR activities in order to better exploit this commitment with a cultural identity yet again. This identity has a direct influence on the branding of Islamic finance in local markets. The structure of offered products reflects regional beliefs and provides a suite of services. In terms of services, the services provided are geared toward specific market segments within local communities. This as a result directs a number of strategic decisions made by Islamic Banks, which are based on the structure of their offerings, brand identity and customer service levels.

Originality/value

In Jordan, studies about the perception of stakeholders on CSR from an Islamic perspective are almost non-existent. Thus, providing solutions for study questions and presenting empirical evidence regarding CSR issues will certainly add a new dimension to the literature. Moreover, the conclusions and recommendations may help regulators and decision makers in enhancing the competitiveness and the sustainability of the Islamic banking sector in Jordan.

Keywords

Citation

Di Bella, V. and Al-Fayoumi, N. (2016), "Perception of stakeholders on corporate social responsibility of Islamic Banks in Jordan", EuroMed Journal of Business, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 30-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/EMJB-01-2015-0003

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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