The Mediating Effect of Attitude on Customers’ Behavioural Intention to Participate in Islamic Banking: Empirical Evidence

Abstract

Purpose - This paper examines the mediating effect of positive attitude (ATT) and subjective norm (SJN) on customers’ behavioral intention to participate in Islamic banking in Nigeria using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a basis.

Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with 274 samples. This study used the convenience sampling technique.

Findings – The authors found a positive and significant relationship between the factors in the model. The findings highlight the relevance of attitude in the structural model. The findings further show that attitude has a positive effect in mediating the relationship between awareness, knowledge, religion and the behavioural intention of customers.

Originality/value - This paper highlights the need for policymakers, regulators and Islamic banking operators to create proper awareness through effective communication with customers on the benefits of Islamic banking and the provision of a platform for knowledge enhancement to promote a positive attitude among the different segments of society and which in turn can influence their intention to participate in Islamic banking.