THE ROLE OF MICROFINANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF ISLAMIC BANKING: A STUDY OF THE PRODUCTS OFFERED BY BANKS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This research was conducted to find out the impact of microfinance programs, in the context of Islamic banking. To achieve this objective, a sample of one hundred (100) respondents was chosen randomly, which consists of highly qualified employees working in financial organizations, such as the top management of these organizations. Four types of variables were examined in the data collection process. The first type was dependent variables that included transformation of the Microfinance institutions and the Islamic financial institutions. Holistic time frame, coordination among groups and resources were acting as Moderating variables. The third set of variables examined was the intervening variables. Intervening variables included growth model of microfinance and Islamic banking practices. The last set of variables, which included the accounting practices used by these organizations, conventional banking, microfinance institutions and the awareness level in the community, are considered as independent variables. The results show that, time span of organization in Islamic banking, organizational success, offerings of microfinance services and the reasons for not exploring their potential in microfinance are all significant in their effects. Similarly the necessity of awareness programs, technological change, assistance from other MFIs, designing new accounting procedures are all statistically significant in its effect. Moreover, the impact of microfinance under the Islamic banking on improving the poor’s standard of living, equitable distribution of wealth and increasing employment opportunities are statistically significant. Similarly, integrating IMF within Islamic banking operations is also found to be statistically significant in its effect, because both have the same guiding rules. Similarly training and capacity building program were found significant, for the success of Islamic banking. Further results of the study show that less number of the people is trained in this respect. It is recommended to train the existing and future employees for success of IMF and integrate IB & MF, which will also help in equitable distribution of wealth in the society. xviiKey words: Islamic Banking (IB), Microfinance (MF), Islamic Microfinance (IMF), Conventional Banking, Organizational transformation, Training and Capacity building.