Shariah governance and audit practices in Islamic co-operatives: An audit expectation-performance gap analysis

Abstract

This study focuses on the inclusion of Shariah governance and audit best practices in Islamic co-operatives in Malaysia. The development of Shariah governance and audit is essential to complement the Shariah compliance mechanisms already in place and practiced internally within these Islamic co-operatives. Strong regulations, frameworks, and guidelines are needed to uphold Shariah compliance practices. The Delphi method was used as the study’s methodology, involving a series of discussions with industry practitioners in Islamic co-operatives. Based on the findings, there is an existing expectation-performance gap in regulations, frameworks, and guidelines; independence and competency; and Shariah audit scope in governing Shariah compliance principles in Islamic co-operatives. This is crucial because well-developed regulations, frameworks, and guidelines in Shariah governance and audit will increase stakeholders’ trust that the activities and operations of Islamic co-operatives are Shariah-compliant. Additionally, providing a standardized framework will help manage risks in Islamic co-operatives and, in the broader context, contribute to the industry’s and the economy’s growth by offering stakeholders adequate information to make informed decisions.