Corporate social responsibility in Islamic banks: to which extent does Abu Dhabi Islamic bank comply with the global reporting initiative standards?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elias Abu Al-Haija ◽  
Mohamed Chakib Kolsi ◽  
Mohamed Chakib Chakib Kolsi
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Social Standards ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to explore whether Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) complies with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure practices for the period 2014–2019. Design/methodology/approach By analysing both annual and sustainability reports of the bank using content analysis for each Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) category, 100 universal standards, 200 economic standards, 300 environmental standards, 400 social standards. The authors then compute and discuss the degree of compliance of ADIB disclosures by using annual charts and graphs. Findings Results show that, although ADIB issues sustainability reports, numerous GRI standards do not appear in the bank’s reports such as general disclosures GRI 102, economic disclosures items such as anti-competitive behaviour GRI 206 and environmental disclosures such as gas emissions GRI 305 due to the nature of bank’s activities. However, the bank focuses mainly on social standards GRI 400 including community services, training and development. Hence, ADIB partially complies with the GRI standards (2016) especially social disclosures. Research limitations/implications The study encompasses some limitations: first, due to the discretionary nature of CSR reporting, many items were ignored or missed for the full period. Second, the disclosure of a sustainability report by the company was only available for the year 2017, which, in turn, makes it difficult for comparison. Practical implications The findings of this study have important implications for academics and researchers, and practitioners as they pave the way for further investigation regarding CSR compliance of Islamic financial institutions. The results also have important implications for Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions in developing a CSR reporting standard if Islamic banks are to enhance their image globally and to maintain competitive advantages. Originality/value This paper contributes to the growing debate on CSR disclosures in the Islamic banking industry by comparing ADIB practices with regard to the GRI standards.

scholarly journals CSR Disclosure, Corporate Governance and Firm Value: a study on GCC Islamic Banks

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 607-638
Author(s):  
Mohd Shukor Harun ◽  
Khaled Hussainey ◽  
Khairul Ayuni Mohd Kharuddin ◽  
Omar Al Farooque
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Firm Value ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gcc Countries ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This study aims to explore the corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) practices of the Islamic banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during the period 2010-2014 and examines the determinants of CSRD and its effects on firm value. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions Governance Standard No. 7 guidelines and using content analysis, the paper develops a comprehensive CSRD index for GCC Islamic banks. The study applies ordinary least squares regression analysis for hypothesis testing and for finding determinants of respective dependent variables. Findings The results show a very low level of CSRD among the sample Islamic banks in GCC countries. When using corporate governance characteristics to examine the determinants of CSRD, this study provides evidence of a significant positive association between board size and CSRD practice in Islamic banks and a significant negative relationship of chief executive officer (CEO) duality with CSRD, as per expectation. For the economic consequences of CSRD, the study documents an inverse performance effect of CSRD while board size, board composition and CEO duality indicate significant positive effects on firm value. Research limitations/implications The relatively small sample size of GCC Islamic banks may limit the application of the findings to other Islamic financial institutions such as Takaful and the Islamic unit trust company. Practical implications The findings of this study initiate the global debate on the need for corporate governance reform in Islamic banks by providing insights on the role played by corporate governance mechanisms in encouraging and enhancing CSRD practices among Islamic banks. The findings also have important implications for investors, managers, regulatory bodies, policymakers and Islamic banks in the GCC countries. Social implications The results of the study do not support the idea that Islamic banks operating on Islamic principles can meet their social responsibilities through promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and by differentiating themselves from non-Islamic banks. Originality/value This is the first study to examine the determinants of CSRD in GCC Islamic banks using comprehensive CSRD and corporate governance variables and, therefore, adds value to the existing CSR literature in banking.

Corporate social responsibility of Islamic banks: Malaysian practitioners’ outlook

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 889-904
Author(s):  
Wan Noor Hazlina Wan Jusoh ◽  
Uzaimah Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Corporate Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate Malaysian practitioners’ general perspective on corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Islamic banks and their views on having a special CSR framework. Design/methodology/approach This study used semi-structured face-to-face interviews, which contained both qualitative and quantitative data. The study also used observation and document review to support the data drawn from the research participants whenever necessary. Findings In total, 34 practitioners from all 16 Islamic banks in Malaysia responded to the interview questions designed for this purpose. The results show that the majority of the research participants viewed positively that Islamic banks should have a special CSR framework. Practical implications The Islamic concepts of CSR will be of interest not only to academicians but also, especially, to Islamic financial institutions. This paper will also send a strong signal to regulators that they should develop and introduce an Islamic CSR framework to Islamic financial institutions, especially Islamic banks. Originality/value This paper contributes to the growing debate on CSR among Islamic financial institutions, especially in the Islamic banking industry, by investigating practitioners’ views on having a CSR framework. In addition, to the knowledge of the authors, this is the first research that has involved Chief Executive Officers, Heads of Shari’ah, and Heads of Corporate Communications as research participants to talk about the CSR of Islamic banks.

scholarly journals Prioritization of Workplace Practices: Evidence from Islamic financial institutions

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 401
Author(s):  
Faizah Darus ◽  
Haslinda Yusoff
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Publishing House ◽  
Workplace Environment ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
International Publishing ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Workplace Practices ◽  
Corporate Social

The aim of this study is to examine the prioritization of workplace practices among Islamic financial institutions in Malaysia for 2012. A content analysis of the annual and sustainability reports were carried out to examine the extensiveness of disclosure relating to information on workplace practices. An Islamic workplace index was used to evaluate the workplace disclosure. The results of the study revealed that skill enhancement and employees-management engagement were the focus for workplace environment among Islamic financial institutions. Particularly, information relating to incentives and bonuses were found to be the most extensively disclosed information.© 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies, Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Workplace environment; Islamic financial institutions; corporate social responsibility; Malaysia.

scholarly journals Drivers of Ar-Rahnu (pawn) acceptance: Malaysian evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker ◽  
Ahmad Khaliq ◽  
Mohamed Asmy Bin Mohd Thas Thaker ◽  
Anwar Bin Allah Pitchay ◽  
K. Chandra Sakaran
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Credit Card ◽  
Social Factor ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
The Body ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factor persuading the acceptance of Islamic pawn broking (Ar-Rahnu) among Islamic bank customers. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected the data using a self-administered questionnaire design and analysed using SPSS Statistics and smart partial least square. The study is restricted to only respondents who are based in the area of Klang Valley (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur), as these two areas have a larger number of Islamic banks and a decent number of Islamic banks’ clients. A total of 381 respondents’ responses are used for this study, and the constructs involved for analysis purpose are affect, social factor, facilitating conditions, perceived financial benefits and perceived risk constructs. Findings The finding suggests a significant positive association for social factor and perceived risk, while negative association learnt for affect on acceptance of Ar-Rahnu financing. On the same note, the facilitating condition and perceived financial benefit are found insignificantly related. Practical implications The findings generated from this study are expected to enrich the literature on the body of knowledge, as it has served to broaden the understanding of the Ar-Rahnu acceptance level in Malaysia. As mentioned, there is limited literature available using this type of financing. Existing studies focus too much on conventional financing products such as personal financing, credit card, short-term loan and many others. Less attention is given to Ar-Rahnu financing. Thus, this study expected to add value to the literature available in the context of Islamic pawn broking business. Moreover, the findings of this study will be very helpful for the Islamic financial institutions to find the best way to retain Ar-Rahnu clients and encourage more client to choose Ar-Rahnu as a mode of financing. Originality/value This study owns greater potential to assist Islamic financial institutions to discover the best techniques to retain and encourage the grander number of clients for Ar-Rahnu as a mode of financing.

Corporate governance and compliance with AAOIFI governance standards by Islamic banks

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 891-918
Author(s):  
Yosra Mnif ◽  
Marwa Tahari
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disclosure Requirements ◽  
Financial Expertise ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Research Stage

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of the main corporate governance characteristics on compliance with accounting and auditing organisation for Islamic financial institutions’ (AAOIFI) governance standards’ (GSs) disclosure requirements by Islamic banks (IB) that adopt AAOIFIs’ standards in Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Syria, Sudan, Palestine and Yemen. Design/methodology/approach The sample consists of 486 bank-year observations from 2009 to 2017. Findings The findings reveal that compliance with AAOIFIs’ GSs’ disclosure requirements is positively influenced by the audit committee (AC) independence, AC’s accounting and financial expertise and industry expertise, auditor industry specialisation, IB’s size and IB’s listing status. On the other hand, it is negatively influenced by the ownership concentration. Research limitations/implications This study has only examined compliance with AAOIFI’s GSs’ disclosure requirements and has focussed on one major sector of the Islamic financial institutions (which is IB). Practical implications The findings are useful for various groups of preparers and users of IBs’ annual reports such as academics and researchers, accountants, management of IBs and some organisations. Originality/value While the study of the AAOIFIs’ standards has grown contemporary with considerable contributions from scholars, however, the majority of these studies are descriptive in nature. Indeed, the existing literature that has explored the determinants of compliance with AAOIFI’s standards is in the early research stage. To the best of the knowledge, there is a paucity of empirical research testing this issue.

scholarly journals Assurance of the leading UK food retailers' corporate social responsibility/sustainability reports

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Jones ◽  
David Hillier ◽  
Daphne Comfort
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Food Retailers ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Assurance Process ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory assessment of the employment of assurance in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Sustainability reports published by the UK's top ten food retailers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an outline of the characteristics of assurance and the empirical information for the paper is drawn from the assurance material in the CSR/Sustainability reports posted on the internet by five of the selected retailers. Findings – The findings reveal considerable variation in the nature and the scope of the assurance processes undertaken, at best the accent is on limited assurance and some concerns are expressed about the independence of the assessment process. The paper concludes that these concerns can be seen to reduce the reliability and credibility of the assurance process. Originality/value – The paper provides an accessible review of how the UK's top ten food retailers are employing external assurance statements as part of their CSR reporting and as such it will interest academics, managers within the retail industry and those professionals and consultants who work with the industry.

Are Malaysian Islamic banks’ corporate social responsibilities effective? A stakeholders’ view

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruna Babatunde Jaiyeoba ◽  
Abideen Adeyemi Adewale ◽  
Mahmud Oluwaseyi Quadry
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Responsibilities ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of Islamic banks’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) using data collected from stakeholders in Malaysia. While Islamic scholars have developed the Islamic CSR from the Qur’anic verses, the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and from the western ideologies, the focus of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of the developed Islamic CSR practices. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research design was adopted for this study. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and other analyses are performed on the data collected from 193 stakeholders in Malaysia. Findings Based on the data collected and analyzed, the results show that stakeholders view the Malaysian Islamic banks’ CSRs as effective. Research limitations/implications This study investigates the effectiveness of Malaysian Islamic banks’ CSR based on the survey data collected. However, future studies could explore this in greater depth using mixed methods. Practical implications The research findings have great implications for researchers. Since this study is among the few research studies that investigate the effectiveness of Islamic CSR, the researchers have paved ways for further investigation in this area. In addition, the study encourages the Malaysian Islamic banks and other Islamic financial institutions to contribute more to the society. Originality/value The study examines the effectiveness of Islamic banks’ CSR and contributes to the growing discussions on the Islamic CSR. The study has opened up this area for further investigations by other researchers.

Social disclosure: compliance of Islamic banks to governance standards No. 7 of AAOIFI (2010)

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1427-1452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nouha Ben Brahim ◽  
Mounira Ben Arab
Keyword(s):  
Banking Sector ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Western Model ◽  
Cultural Effects ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the compliance of Islamic banks (IBs) with the AAOIFI standard No. 7, in Middle East and North Africa area during the period 2010-2014. The authors seek to identify, among the 15 countries and 72 banks, those which conform more to this standard. The level of compliance is expected to be more stringent in countries where AAOIFI standards are made mandatory. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the unweighted disclosure method which measures the corporate social report disclosure (CSRD) score of a bank as additive. Each country and bank are assessed according to two obligatory and voluntary CSRDs. Findings The empirical results indicate that even though the global disclosure index has been improved over the observation period, it has remained relatively low. The results also allowed us to see that the global, mandatory and voluntary societal disclosures vary according to the country and banks. Further, it has been seen that banks allow more attention to the mandatory disclosure recommendations of AAOIFI Governance Standard No. 7, in comparison with the voluntary CSRD. Research limitations/implications One limitation of this study is that the sample is restricted to only the Islamic banking sector. Future research could include other Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) such as insurance companies. Second, the study could be extended to other countries to better control the religious system and cultural effects. Because in our modern era, traditional laws in the Muslim world have been widely replaced by statutes inspired by European models, the authors suggest then to apply a new classification that separates, for instance, countries that rely on an Islamic model from those with a western model, and national banks from those allied with western banks. Finally, the paper’s data collection relies solely on annual reports and does not include publications from bank sites. Future research could consider all these limitations. Another possible avenue could examine the determinants of such disclosure level. Practical implications Almost no study has been limited to the text of the AOIFFI. This detail is important for some countries where the AAOIFI standards are mandatory. Social implications The findings may be of interest to shareholders and all those who deal with IBs that have religious expectations. Originality/value Despite the fact that most studies investigated compliance of IB Sharia law, almost no study has been limited to the text of the AOIFFI. This detail is important for some countries where the AAOIFI standards are mandatory. The findings may be of interest to shareholders and all those who deal with IBs that have religious expectations.

Implementation of the AAOIFI index on CSR disclosure in Indonesian Islamic banks

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peni Nugraheni ◽  
Erlinda Nur Khasanah
Keyword(s):  
Supervisory Board ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
The Government ◽  
Csr Disclosure ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Suitable Measure

Purpose The purpose of this study is to discuss the extent to which Indonesian Islamic banks (IBs) disclose corporate social responsibility (CSR) according to the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) index. It also empirically examines the determinants of CSR disclosure in Indonesian IBs, based on disclosure from AAOIFI index, which is based on Islamic principles. Design/methodology/approach The determinant used in this paper is the corporate governance (CG) mechanism, which focuses on the board of commissioners (BOC) and Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB) and their characteristics. The paper uses multiple regression analysis to examine the influence of these variables on CSR. Findings The results indicate that the level of CSR disclosure of IBs measured by the AAOIFI index continues to be low. The statistical results reveal that CSR disclosure has an insignificant relationship with BOC size and SSB qualifications, while the other results show a negative association between the composition of independent BOCs and CSR disclosure, and the frequency of BOC and SSB meeting has a positive effect on this. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on Indonesian IBs. The variables of the CG mechanism are limited to the BOC and SSB, while the BOC exists only in countries that adopt two-tier boards. Practical implications IBs should provide a wider range of information to be disclosed. The government should establish specific items that need to be disclosed by IBs, considering there are no specific CSR disclosure regulations for IBs in Indonesia. Originality/value This study uses the AAOIFI index, which may be a suitable measure of CSR in IBs. The study also analyzes why certain items in the index have a high disclosure level and others do not.

Musharakah Mutanaqisah home financing: issues in practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alam Asadov ◽  
Zulkarnain Bin Muhamad Sori ◽  
Shamsher Mohamad Ramadilli ◽  
Zaheer Anwer ◽  
Shinaj Valangattil Shamsudheen
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Current Mode ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
The Body ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Periodic Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Finance Industry ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions

Purpose This paper aims to examine the practical issues in the Musharakah Mutanaqisah (MM) financing and subsequently, recommends possible solutions to mitigate these issues and improve the current practice. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyses the theory and current practices of MM offered by Islamic banks. Findings It is suggested that Islamic financial institutions consider revaluation of property’s value to its fair value, especially during termination of MM contract and annual or agreed periodic review of the market value of the assets to determine the “rental” payments by the customer. It is also recommended that Islamic financial institutions should share all associated costs in performing the contract. Research limitations/implications Research findings reported in this paper contribute to the body of knowledge on MM in general and to the Islamic finance practices in Malaysia and abroad. Indeed, the Malaysia Central Bank (i.e. Bank Negara Malaysia) should form a special committee to look into the issues highlighted in this paper and recommend strict guidelines for Islamic financial institutions to improve their practices. Practical implications Islamic banks should extend the use of MM contract in automobile and trade financing where rent or profit could be easily identified and value of the asset is more certain. The regulators and Islamic financial standard setting authorities need to oversee the Shari’ah board decisions on MM contracts and keep the gates in the interest of ensuring a more viable and authentic Islamic finance industry. Originality/value This paper briefly views the current mode of MM contracts, specifically for home financing, and highlights the incompliance to Shari’ah requirements in exercising these contracts in practice.

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