THE EMERGENCE OF ISLAMIC BANKING IN MALAYSIA: THE DEVELOPMENT, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AMONG EMPLOYEES

Abstract

The understanding among Islamic banking staff towards the implementation of tasks has been given less attention. Studies about the understanding of Islamic banking were more focusing on the aspect of customers’ understanding and satisfaction over choosing factor and the usage of offered Islamic banking products. In fact, the previous studies were found to have adapted quantitative approach in studies related to understanding. Thus, this study aims to explore the phenomenon of understanding issues among staff of Islamic banking in reality and provide the solutions. On top of that, this study is using the qualitative approach in order to capture the problem understanding of the staff in detailed based on the real perspectives that they have been going throughout their working experience. In making this a reality, phenomenology research methods are appropriate. Meanwhile, face-to-face interview techniques and observation are applied in achieving the goals and the objectives of this study. The data will be analysed stage by stage with the presence of detailed filtering technique according to theme and sub-theme respectively. Triangulation technique is also used to strengthen the accuracy of the findings. In the data collection process, 32 respondents consisting of staff working at 32 different Islamic banking branches in Malaysia were chosen. Besides, there were 13 experts who are academicians, industrial experts, organisation advisors, sharia advisors and consumerism activists involved to ensure the data validity. The findings have succeeded in achieving the study objectives. This study also suggests that an ecosystem of Islamic banking staff understanding should be built and implemented systematically. Indeed, staff who understands each and every job scope will be able to locate the organisation to the prestigious position as well as to flourish the harmonisation and achieve the solutions of the Islamic based financial system.