Customer perception regarding Sharī‘ah compliance of Islamic banking sector of Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the impact of Sharī‘ah compliance perception on customer satisfaction in Islamic banking sector of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 242 account holders of Islamic banks and Islamic banking branches of conventional commercial banks and analyzed by correlation and regression through self-administered questionnaires based on SERVQUAL model.

Findings

Significant moderating effects of Sharī‘ah compliance perception on the relation between service quality and customer satisfaction have been identified.

Research limitations/implications

As a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling restricts generalizability and because financial benefits offered by banks were not included as a variable, the scope of this study is limited to service quality only. Future research may focus on the moderating effect of Sharī‘ah compliance perception through longitudinal study with larger sample size in a multi-cultural environment.

Practical implications

Results of this paper recommend Islamic banks to focus on their core strength “Sharī‘ah compliance” while developing their product/service and building marketing strategies. Moreover, assurance of high-quality services will sustain such strategies against competition with conventional banks.

Social implications

Islamic banks must primarily develop their brand through extensive communication and public awareness programs regarding Sharī‘ah compliance standards in terms of products/services, policy/procedures, code of conduct and Sharī‘ah board.

Originality/value

This research examines moderating role of Sharī‘ah compliance perception between service quality and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking sector of an Islamic Republic with dual banking system. This interactive effect of Sharī‘ah compliance perception has not been found as an overriding theme in any of the main stream journals/articles. Therefore, this study fills this gap.

Citation

Saqib, L., Farooq, M.A. and Zafar, A.M. (2016), "Customer perception regarding Sharī‘ah compliance of Islamic banking sector of Pakistan", Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 282-303. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIABR-08-2013-0031