Bassam Mohammad Maali, M. Kabir Hassan, Mamunur Rashid
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
Islamic banks (IBs) place significant importance on their religious identity, prompting the utilization of impression management (IM) strategies to emphasize such identity. This paper aims to discuss the motivations behind using IM in the creation of religious identity by IBs, and to explore the use of religious symbols and language as a form of religious rhetoric. It is argued that to counteract the threats to their religious identity, IBs use IM techniques, predominantly through the inclusion of religious symbols and rhetoric.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical exploratory study, using content analysis, was conducted on the annual reports of the largest IBs for the year 2022. The analyses involved a total of 39 banks based on a filtered list from The Banker’s Top Islamic Financial Institutions of 2022. A manual content analysis was undertaken to extract religious symbols, images and contents.
Findings
The findings reveal the use of IM techniques that emphasize the religious identity of these banks. Notably, IBs consistently reaffirm their commitment to Sharia compliance and disclose their contributions to Zakah. In addition, the analysis reveals the incorporation of Quranic verses, religious iconographic images and other religious rhetoric statements in the annual reports of many IBs.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis concludes that the assertion by IBs that their guiding principles are rooted in Islamic values are supported by the religious terminology and imagery embedded in their annual reports. Alongside mere religious symbolism, the terms and images are integral part of the corporate identity of the Islamic that not only sends persuasive signals to stakeholders but also help build an impression on the activities of the IBs.
Originality/value
IM has been a key objective and strategy of companies. This study aimed at exploring whether and how IBs used religious symbolism as an integral part of IM and corporate identity.
期刊介绍：
The International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management (IMEFM) publishes quality and in-depth analysis on current issues within Islamic and Middle Eastern finance and management. The journal welcomes strong evidence-based empirical studies and results-focused case studies that share research in product development and clarify best practices. The title is also keen to consider work from emerging authors. IMEFM has just also accepted into Clarivate''s SSCI in 2018, and its IF will be available in summer 2019, with citations dating from 2016. The coverage includes but is not limited to: -Islamic finance: Fundamentals, trends and opportunities in Islamic Finance, Islamic banking and financial markets, Risk management, Corporate finance, Investment strategy, Islamic social finance, Financial planning, Housing finance, Legal and regulatory issues, -Islamic management: Corporate governance, Customer relationship management and service quality, Business ethics and corporate social responsibility, Management styles and strategies in Shariah environments, Labour and welfare economics, Political economy. The journal is the only title aiming to give an interdisciplinary and holistic view on Islamic finance and business management practices in order to inform these two intertwined communities.
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