Determinants of Islamic Banking Adoption: Examining the Banking Workforce Perspectives through the Lens of Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

The objective of the study is to find the factors that affect the adoption of the Islamic Banking in the eyes of the banking employees who work in full- fledged Islamic banks and conventions-Bank Islamic windows in the country of Pakistan. Although the previous studies specifically are mainly focused on the customer usage of Islamic banking, the involvement of the employees who are involved with these services is not considered much. Thus, the research is focused on examining whether or not perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions, and self-efficacy impact the intention of employees to use Islamic banking is mediated through their attitude, whereas normative beliefs serve as a moderator. A questionnaire was the method of data collection (structured questionnaire) administered to 317 of employees who worked in Islamic banking windows in Pakistan. The results point to the fact that the three variables including perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions and self-efficacy have significant positive effects on attitudes toward Islamic banking which in their turn have a strong effect on usage intentions. The levels of attitude emerged to mediate links amid independent variables and the behavioral intention. Moreover, normative beliefs play an important role towards reinforcing the relationship between attitude and intention. Such outcomes indicate that the managers and the policymakers of the banks should initiate specific programs and improve the participation of bank employees within the scope of Islam banking products. The similar efforts to develop workforce and match them with Shariah compliant principles can lead to the growth of Islamic banking, financial inclusion, adherence to the ethical financial frameworks, and maintain competitiveness of two banking systems of Pakistan.