Khalid Farooq, Mohd Yusoff Yusliza, Zikri Muhammad, Muhamad Khalil Omar and Nik Hazimah Nik Mat
Successfully fostering employee ecological behaviors can reduce the environmental impacts of an organization while boosting performance. This paper aims to investigate the factors…
Abstract
Purpose
Successfully fostering employee ecological behaviors can reduce the environmental impacts of an organization while boosting performance. This paper aims to investigate the factors and organizational strategies for employees to engage in ecological behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a qualitative method. Academicians from four top-ranked research universities from Malaysia participated in semi-structured interviews.
Findings
The in-depth analysis of the interviews identified several factors (environmental attitude, feedback, green self-efficacy, leadership role, organizational culture and employee empowerment) and strategies (incentives; top management support; creating environmental knowledge and awareness; rules and regulations; and sustainability advocates) for promoting ecological behavior in the workplace.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to Malaysian public research universities. Future research could investigate additional variables that might influence employee ecological behavior. Implications include policymaking, which emphasizes boosting environmental factors among academicians.
Originality/value
Research studies on employee ecological behavior are minimal. This research contributes to the literature by discussing how different stimuli and strategies are used in the top four-ranked green universities of Malaysia for ecological behavior in the workplace.
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Maizaitulaidawati Md Husin, Noraini Ismail and Asmak Ab Rahman
This paper aims to address the influence of mass media (MM) and word of mouth (WOM) on subjective norm (SN) and the intentions to purchase a family takaful scheme among Muslim…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address the influence of mass media (MM) and word of mouth (WOM) on subjective norm (SN) and the intentions to purchase a family takaful scheme among Muslim Malaysians.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 384 Muslim consumers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using a convenience sampling approach. The hypotheses were tested by applying structural equation modelling.
Findings
The results revealed that MM and WM were able to influence SN. In addition, the results also found that SN significantly influences intentions to purchase a family takaful scheme.
Practical implications
By examining MM and WM on SN, the study validated the importance of both constructs in affecting consumers’ SN and purchase intention. This study would be useful for takaful operators, as the findings would help them to formulate strategies for promotional activities.
Originality/value
This paper empirically justifies the relationship between MM and WM on SN and purchase intention of family takaful schemes in an integrated model.
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Muhammad Mehedi Masud, Md Rajibul Ahsan, Noor Azina Ismail and Md Sohel Rana
Life insurance remains an essential part of financial and social security. The insurance penetration rate is high in the developed countries but very low in developing countries…
Abstract
Purpose
Life insurance remains an essential part of financial and social security. The insurance penetration rate is high in the developed countries but very low in developing countries such as Malaysia, with only 4.8% penetration and extremely low underwritings. Therefore, this study aims to scrutinize the underlying determinants of a household purchase behaviour of life insurance.
Design/methodology/approach
The data generated from the administration of survey questionnaires to 325 households were analysed, using structural equation modelling to obtain the research purposes.
Findings
The analysis reveals that the knowledge of life insurance, attitudes towards life insurance, subjective norms (SN), trust and risk perception, affect the tendency of a household to purchase life insurance. The results of this study also highlight that households’ purchase-propensity influences the purchase behaviour of life insurance. Concurrently, the intention to purchase has mediating effects on explanatory variables and purchase behaviour.
Originality/value
This paper established awareness, SN, perceived behavioural control, trust and risk perception as the key determinants promoting positive attitudes towards purchasing life insurance. The findings of this study can be successfully applied to different stakeholders in a similar context. This study suggests that the managers of life insurance companies should adjust their policy guidelines in accordance with the positive relationship between the constructs and consumers’ intention to purchase life insurance.
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Omar Kachkar and Mustafa K. Yilmaz
This study aims to examine diversity in the composition of Shariah supervisory boards (SSBs) of Islamic banks (IBs). It investigates diversity from two perspectives: existing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine diversity in the composition of Shariah supervisory boards (SSBs) of Islamic banks (IBs). It investigates diversity from two perspectives: existing composition of SSBs and the regulatory frameworks and standards of selected Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries. Diversity characteristics include education, nationality, gender and age.
Design/methodology/approach
A list of all full-fledged Islamic commercial banks (FFICBs) globally has been carefully prepared and confirmed. Conventional banks with Islamic windows, non-commercial banks, takaful companies and other Islamic financial institutions are excluded. The available profiles of 428 SSB members have been scrutinised and analysed. These board members occupy 522 SSB positions in 238 FFICBs operating in 52 countries around the globe. From the regulatory perspective, 12 national and international Shariah governance frameworks and standards have been examined.
Findings
Findings of this paper indicate various levels of diversity in SSBs of the reviewed IBs. The level of diversity in educational background and in the nationality of SSBs can be described as generally acceptable. However, a lack of diversity in gender and age among SSB members is evidently observed in IBs. While the lack of age diversity in SSBs may be relatively justified as a common trend in the composition of corporate boards, SSBs of IBs are seriously lagging behind in gender diversity. On the regulatory level, this study concluded that provisions on diversity as a requirement in SSBs are almost non-existent in the existing regulatory frameworks and standards.
Research limitations/implications
The major limitation of this study is the lack of available information on the SSB members.
Practical implications
This paper provides insights for IBs and policymakers concerned with the corporate governance of IBs and all Islamic financial institutions. First, it offers an excellent bird’s-eye view of the status of diversity in SSBs of IBs. Second, it motivates policymakers and standard-setting bodies to ensure, through the relevant regulatory frameworks, adequate levels of diversity in the composition of SSBs. Diversity in SSBs of IBs and Islamic financial institutions should be given special emphasis, not only in boards and top management positions but also in the workplace. This is of profound significance to the reputation of Islamic finance industry which has been recently under mounting pressure to translate the rhetoric about the Islamic finance industry being ethical, fair, just, equitable and inclusive into genuine implementations.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine the diversity of SSB members from the regulatory as well as from the implementation perspective.
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Fahmi Natigor Nasution and Ahmad Rafiki
This study aims to examine the relationship of the Islamic work ethics, organizational commitment and job satisfaction of Muslim employees in the four Islamic commercial banks in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship of the Islamic work ethics, organizational commitment and job satisfaction of Muslim employees in the four Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has adopted a quantitative method with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. A stratified random sample of the executive management was taken, proportionate to the size of each organization. Out of a total of 250 distributed questionnaires, 220 respondents have responded. Frequencies and percentages were used to identify the characteristics of the respondents, while the preliminary data analysis of reliability and validity tests were used, along with the linear regression and the factor analysis of variance to answer the research question.
Findings
It found that the Islamic work ethics have a positive and significant relationship with organizational commitment and job satisfaction.
Originality/value
The sharia compliance requirement of Islamic banks is aligned with the Islamic work ethics’ principles and values, which thus could create in-depth organizational commitment among employees.
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Safwan Kamal, Izra Berakon, Abdul Hamid and Zainal Muttaqin
Previous studies described the professional zakat had been limited. Generally, the past authors conducted a quantitative method with general results and did not focus on the…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies described the professional zakat had been limited. Generally, the past authors conducted a quantitative method with general results and did not focus on the behaviour of people who pay the professional zakat. As a result, the purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the general public can pay their zakat using Bloom’s theory.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses primary data with in-depth interviews from five informants, including civil servants (PNS) and private employees. Spiral analysis was used to analyse the data, arrange it, read it frequently, take brief notes, find categories, interpret and summarise it.
Findings
The results show Bloom’s theory can accommodate muzakki’s behaviour by paying professional zakat. It can be seen from the following conclusions: firstly, in the cognitive domain, muzakki’s behaviour of paying the professional zakat was motivated by their memories (experiences), the ability to interpret, the ability to understand the principles of zakat, the ability to understand the relations and the ability to understand the role of zakat from its norms. Secondly, in the affective domain, muzakki’s behaviour in paying the professional zakat was motivated by their ability to receive, give positive value, call others and dare to take risks. Thirdly, in the psychomotor domain, guided practice, mechanised practice and adoption drive muzakki’s behaviour of paying zakat.
Research limitations/implications
This study has limitations regarding the number of samples (informants). In addition, the results of the research are designed to be very subjective so that they cannot be generalised to phenomena that exist in other places and countries that also require zakat in the profession. In the future, the results of this study can be used as a variable development with quantitative methods so that it can involve more samples to get maximum and a broader result.
Practical implications
This research has a valuable managerial impact on the zakat management institutions, particularly in Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia and all zakat institutions worldwide. Therefore, the central government can evaluate the zakat gap through various socialisation activities by promoting the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. Socialisation should improve people’s behaviour to pay zakat so that the amount of zakat collected will be higher and will reduce the gap between the potency of zakat and the zakat in reality which has been unequal so far.
Originality/value
This research will contribute to the significant development of zakat in terms of studying the behaviour of muzakki paying the professional zakat. Although the theory of planned behaviour was dominated by previous research, this research reveals other aspects of muzakki behaviour using Bloom’s model by elaborating on cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains.
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Hong Kok Wang, Cheong Peng Au-Yong, Gabriel Hoh Teck Ling and Kian Aun Law
Under Malaysian Law, the maintenance and management of common property have traditionally been viewed as insoluble challenges in the self-organisational efforts for high-rise…
Abstract
Purpose
Under Malaysian Law, the maintenance and management of common property have traditionally been viewed as insoluble challenges in the self-organisational efforts for high-rise low-cost housing developments. As the population increases, more shared resources become heavily exploited with few willing to contribute towards the sustainability of resources. Many researchers argued a better way would be to convert these shared resources into a private or state-managed entity. Hence, with that assumption, this paper aims to examine how better physical characteristics can result in greater collective action.
Design/methodology/approach
This research paper adopted a quantitative method approach to determine how the standard of physical characteristics influenced the quality of collective action in high-rise low-cost housing. The method included a questionnaire survey of 519 parcel holders chosen via stratified purposeful random sampling from four high-rise low-cost housing areas.
Findings
The paper found a positive correlation between the quality of physical characteristics and the collective action gained. The findings highlighted that the standard of workmanship of high-rise low-cost units (including the common properties), the crime rate in the neighbourhood and the condition of lift systems – when improved – were significant positive predictors of collective action.
Practical implications
Housing developers should pay attention to the quality of both low-cost units and related common properties, as this endeavour will assist greatly in future collective action management.
Originality/value
The study was justified in terms of its originality as few research studies adopted the social-ecological system framework that focused on the correlation between the quality of physical characteristics and the collective action of parcel holders.
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Corine Sze Xuan Teo and See Wan Yan
Health promotion and disease prevention by means of functional foods have become more popular among consumers due to the rising trend of non-communicable diseases. Driven by the…
Abstract
Purpose
Health promotion and disease prevention by means of functional foods have become more popular among consumers due to the rising trend of non-communicable diseases. Driven by the increased demand, the authors aimed to investigate sensorial, nutritional and physicochemical properties of chicken nugget incorporated with unripe Cavendish banana and Flavourzyme® [Control (without banana and Flavourzyme®), F1 (banana only), F2 (Flavourzyme® only), F3 (banana and Flavourzyme®)].
Design/methodology/approach
Sensory evaluation was carried out by means of 9-point hedonic scale among consumer panels (n = 83) to evaluate control, F1, F2 and F3. These were then subjected to chemical (moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, total dietary fibre, potassium and antioxidant contents) and physical (texture profile and water activity) analyses.
Findings
Sensory acceptance of control was significantly higher compared to other formulations. Fibre, antioxidant and potassium contents were significantly higher, although moisture, protein and fat contents were significantly lower in F1 and F3 compared to control. Remarkably, F1 and F3 were eligible to be declared as “source of dietary fibre”. Therefore, F1, F2 and F3 can serve as healthier alternatives with high antioxidant activity without compromising consumers' acceptance.
Originality/value
This innovative study generates unique findings pertaining to the nutritional values of novel functional chicken nugget and the formulation enables it to be declared as a source of dietary fibre. Results have contributed knowledge to existing literature as well as benefits food manufacturers in creating healthy functional food to better meet the needs and expectations of health-conscious consumers, healthcare providers, governmental organisations and consumer advocacy groups.
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The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of religion on the financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks in the framework of stakeholders’ theory.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of religion on the financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks in the framework of stakeholders’ theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Few studies have focused on studying the impact of religion on banking performance. Although religion represents an external governance mechanism for financial institutions, by using the generalized method of moments (GMM), this topic constitutes a research opportunity. The already modeled variables are collected from 76 countries located on 5 continents. The data were collected from DATASTREAM, banks’ annual reports, WIKIPEDIA and World Bank. It concerns 210 banks of each type during the period (2010–2020).
Findings
The author retained that religion negatively affects the financial performance of both conventional and Islamic banks. More specifically, results showed that religion affected the liquidity and solvency of two bank types. It also affected conventional banks’ profitability and efficiency.
Research limitations/implications
I summarized the theoretical contribution in the integration of a new original governance category to enhance its presence with impacts directly affecting the banks’ financial performance. Empirically, the study can be seen as a compass for all stakeholders to consider environmental, behavioral and doctrinal factors in studying the financial performance evolution and to become more competitive in the banking market.
Originality/value
Although conventional banks located in developed countries are different from those existing in emerging countries and Islamic banks located in developed countries are different from those existing in emerging countries, I carried out a diversified study in the global context. Referring to the comparative literature review between conventional and Islamic banks, the study was the first conditional research that compared the impacts of religion on the financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks.
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Khadijah Mohd Khambali@Hambali, Suraya Sintang, Azarudin Awang, Khairul Nizam Mat Karim, Nur Farhana Abdul Rahman, Wan Adli Wan Ramli, Nurhanisah Senin, Azmil Zainal Abidin, Ahmad Zuhdi Ismail, Wan Zailan Kamaruddin Wan Ali and Ruzman Md. Noor
The main value in a culture of tolerance is wasatiyyah. The fragility of relationships and misunderstanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities occurs when attention to…
Abstract
Purpose
The main value in a culture of tolerance is wasatiyyah. The fragility of relationships and misunderstanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities occurs when attention to values of tolerance which need more attention on moderation was not practiced especially in the life of a new Muslim convert community. Thus, the practice of moderation is one mechanism proposed by the government to ensure a harmonious continuation of life in a religious community can be achieved. For that, a qualitative study design was used to describe the current status of a phenomenon that occurs among new Muslim converts. The purposive sampling method is used to determine the applications of wasatiyyah in new Muslims’ life tolerance at Kota Kinabalu (East Malaysia) and Kuala Terengganu (West Malaysia). Although the study was conducted at two different locations, there is a relationship between religious phenomena that occur in the new Muslims community in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to see the practical concept of moderation in the life of new Muslims and their relation with Muslims and non-Muslims. The results showed that the value of moderation was applied in the aspect of tolerance. The application of Wasatiyyah in practice of tolerance had helped non-Muslims family members to change their attitudes and perception towards Islam. This study suggests the values of wasatiyyah in the life of religious tolerance, need to be nourished especially in multiethnic society when sharing a living places, education and employment for better social development as well as a well-being pluralistic society.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted through descriptive data qualitative methods. Purposive sampling was used which refers to a group that has the characteristics of samples required by researchers (Mohd Najib Abdul Ghafar 2003). This study applies the method of in-depth interview with the selected new Muslims around Kota Kinabalu (representing East Malaysia) and around Kuala Terengganu (representing Peninsular Malaysia/West Malaysia). Thus, data accumulation involves new Muslims (new Converts) from various ethnics (Sabahan and Sarawakian) which comprise Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus, Sino and Iban. Secondly, those are from the Peninsular Malaysia which includes Chinese and Indian. Whereas in Kuala Terengganu, data accumulation involves new Muslims from various ethnics (Chinese, Indian, Sarawakian and others). The result of the interview is shown through descriptive narratives which display the practice of tolerance in the form of supportive interaction from the non-Muslim families towards the new Muslims in Islamic lifestyle.
Findings
The concept of wasatiyyah has nurturing tolerance among Muslim, newly Muslim and non-Muslim as well as fostering harmony among the diverse ethnics in Malaysia. Based on the discussion, it was observed that the concept of wasatiyyah had a great influence on the relationship among Muslim, newly Muslim and non-Muslim, as it had a strong link with the value of akhlaq that have been embedded in the Muslim community. The wasatiyyah is the main element that shapes the relationship, and it is the results of interaction with social norms, for it has bred certain social values that include tolerance, compromise, modesty, respect and cooperation as transpired when they (Muslim and newly Muslim) interact among themselves or with other communities. Furthermore, the main goal for the concept is to maintain peace and built well-being in the society as well as bracing racial ties in Malaysia, especially among Muslim, newly Muslim and non-Muslim.
Originality/value
Tolerance is a culture that founded the co-existence of pluralistic society in Malaysia. The culture of tolerance can only be built if ethnic tolerance and religious tolerance is accepted as a common practice – Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The description of wasatiyyah in the practice of religious tolerance among the families of new Muslims is the platform towards the acculturation of tolerance in the societal life from different faith and ethnics. It can be said that the higher the tolerance of ethnic, the higher is the religious tolerance, which is manifested through the application of wasatiyyah between people from different religions. This situation is highlighted in the relations of Muslim, newly Muslim and non-Muslim in Sabah and Terengganu where the culture of tolerance is apparent in the life together. Extensive interaction through encounters, acquaintance and co-existence that shape the friendship, brotherhood and kinship is the best formula in nurturing the culture of tolerance in the pluralistic society of Malaysia. Perhaps, the concept of wasatiyyah may be implemented in the whole aspect of life in the context of Malaysia. It is because the term wasatiyyah has the main sources of Islamic epistemology as well as sustaining the well-being pluralistic society without destroying the differences.