Original Research
Consumer awareness and usage of islamic banking products in South Africa
Submitted: 21 April 2011 | Published: 25 August 2011
About the author(s)
Yvonne Saini, University of the WitwatersrandGeoff Bick, Wits Business School, South Africa
Loonat Abdulla, Wits Business School
Full Text:
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This paper investigates the level of consumer awareness and use of Islamic banking products in South Africa. A non-probability sampling method was used whereby a questionnaire was administered to 250 respondents and statistically analysed to determine the factors that are important in the choice between Islamic or conventional banks. It was found that Muslims are aware of Islamic banks, but their rate of use is low, as Muslim customers regard efficiency, lower bank charges, the availability of automatic teller machines and an extensive branch network as important factors when it comes to choosing a bank, rather than religious motivations for compliance with Islamic conventions. It was concluded that, if Islamic banks wanted to attract and retain customers and remain relevant in the South African context, they would have to develop relevant strategies designed to meet customers’ needs. Religion as the sole motivation for choosing Islamic banks is inadequate.
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Crossref Citations
1. Selection of Islamic banking in a multicultural context: the role of gender and religion
Suzanna ElMassah, Heba Abou-El-Sood
Journal of Islamic Marketing vol: 13 issue: 11 first page: 2347 year: 2022
doi: 10.1108/JIMA-05-2020-0160