Evaluating trust elements in the context of Islamic based informational websites

Abstract

In the past, many researches have examined and addressed the notion of trust multidimensional in concepts within the areas of e-commerce ranging from business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C) and consumer to consumer (C2C). Indeed, the element of trust is vital in ensuring the success of e-commerce. However, the web evolution has moved the interpersonal and inter-organizational transactions to knowledge and information exchange with the rise of Web Mediated Information Environment (W-MIE) that offer services such as health advice, religion information, political views and financial advice. Hence, the aim of this research is to identify trust elements within the context of Islamic based informational websites. We contend that this environment posed significant emotional values to its users in terms of the overall design strategy for the web content, interface representation and systems characteristics adherence to Islamic values, principles and guidelines. This paper reported the results of an experiment conducted within the scope of Islamic educational based websites by using semantic differential method with 10 Islamic users. The measured elements are derived through literature analysis and Islamic expert review. Through factor analysis we have found 8 trust elements which are significant for the design of Islamic web based content websites. There are “credibility”, “benevolence”, “Tauheed”, “avoid distraction”, “presentable”, “well-conveyed”, “avoid unfairness” and “avoid childish” and discussion towards design implications are further elaborated.