The Crescent Ranking (CR) is a service benefiting both the supply-side ("halal-friendly" hotels) and the demand-side (Muslims wanting to have a guest experience consistent with their way of living) within the tourism market. "Halal" is a technical term in the Arabic language usually translated as "permissible from the perspective of Islamic law (sharia'ah)." This study examines the transparency of the top and bottom 10 hotels listed on the CR site. First, we compared the hotel profile as per the CR listing with the hotel's own website. Next, we examined guest reviews on a wordof-mouth proxy site (booking.com), paying particular attention to the feedback of non-Muslim guests. Following this analysis, self-styled "Islamic" hotel managers were interviewed to triangulate the data. We found "Islamic" hotels to be intransparent to their guests seeking an Islamically compliant holiday and also to those seeking a conventional hotel experience. We suggest several reasons hotels misrepresent themselves-"self-orientalization", a necessity to present "nice Islam", an "ethics gap", and/or a poor understanding of marketing and market positioning. We consider regulation of the "Islamic" hotel industry to be a mechanism policy makers, and managers could, adopt to become transparent and to protect demand-side (guests) rights. Regulation would also differentiate hotels operating an Islamic business model and those merely offering a few simple services appreciated by Muslim travellers. This paper examines the self-presentation of Islamic hotels on the Crescent Rating (CR), a reference point for Muslim travellers interested in pursuing a hotel experience compatible with their personal beliefs and observant way of life, and compares this presentation to that on their own websites. The CR differentiates hotels across areas of practice for Muslim travellers-halal food, prayer facilities, Ramadan service provision, and also nonhalal activities on site such as gambling, nightclubs, licenced restaurants, and bars-up to a maximum rating of 7. Following the comparison of the listings in these two online fora, guest feedback, also online though the word-of-mouth proxy Booking.com, is reviewed. Clarifying these insights is in-depth interviews with hotel managers, which allowed triangulation and verification of the interpretation of the data collected.Islamic hotels are in their infancy and have commonly utilized the standard language of the conventional hotel marketplace-for example, many Islamic hotels refer to a room "minibar" (but offer one that has no alcohol). This opacity can cause some misgivings from guests. Muslim travellers often prefer to stay in sharia'ah-compliant hotels [hotels operated in accordance with Islamic Law], arguing that traditional hotels contradict the moral and ethical norms of Islam (Alserhan, 2015). Conversely, non-Muslim guests, looking for a conventional hotel (e.g., where one may expect bacon to be available at breakfast), are not being informed of the values framework in place in Islamic hotels prior to their...
Purpose This study aims to identify and analyze factors affecting the business-to-business (B2B) relationship between Sri Lankan telecommunication operators and vendors. The authors conduct a survey and develop models to explain relationship strength and satisfaction. The authors find that telecommunication operators and vendors value trust, commitment, adaptation and communication. Operator satisfaction varies by perception of product quality, service support, delivery performance, supplier know-how and value for money. The vendor’s relationship strength is impacted by trust and commitment; vendor satisfaction is affected by economic factors and referencing. The authors suggest formulating management strategies using these results to strengthen business relationships. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop two conceptual models to analyze the supplier and customer perspectives. This study’s drafted models were drawn from established models and were presented to experts in the industry, both telecommunication operators and vendors. Models were modified based on experts’ feedback, and hypotheses were developed from the conceptual models, developed separately for the two perspectives. Data collection was done via questionnaires; 150 questionnaires were sent via email to identified telecommunication operators and 100 questionnaires were sent via email to identified telecommunication vendors, with follow-up emails and telephone calls to improve response rates. Findings This study’s findings show that employees in the telecommunication industry recognize the importance of B2B relationships. Employees of both telecommunication operators and vendors agree that stronger relationships are advantageous. The correlation and regression analysis results identify factors that affect the B2B relationship. The following factors impact the strength of B2B relationships irrespective of view point: trust, commitment and satisfaction. The following factors were found to significantly affect the strength of B2B relationships between telecommunication operators and vendors from the operator perspective: adaptation and communication. Practical implications To enhance relationship strength, the management of operator organizations should take action to improve trust, commitment and satisfaction. Demonstrating honesty and integrity when dealing with vendors and exhibiting concern for the other party’s interests can help establish trust or enhance trust in existing relationships. Displaying commitment toward the vendor will also facilitate stronger relationships. Reasonable profits for both parties and sizeable business volume will also help satisfy vendors, increasing relationship strength. Positive referencing of the vendor in industrial and public forums will improve vendor satisfaction, enhancing relationship strength. Reputational capital can be built and maintained for both operators and vendors by keeping promises and defending the other party to outsiders. For managers of telecommunications operators and vendors in other emerging markets, this study’s results are important and can inform internal business practices to support trust, commitment and satisfaction. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature in two ways, a focus on the telecommunication industry and a previously unexplored emerging market, Sri Lanka. In addition, this study includes an analysis of the relationship from both the operator and vendor perspectives.
Islamic banking and finance is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Afghan economy. Through the lens of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), we focus on customers' knowledge of Islamic banking and attitudes of Islamic bank customers towards Islamic banking products as well as the factors that determine Afghans' selection of Islamic banking versus conventional banking products in Kabul. We examine the products used by bank customers and their motivations for using Islamic products as an alternative to available conventional products. Islamic and conventional products were found to be both highly utilised by customers. Islamic product selection is influenced by religious beliefs and a greater perceived efficiency of Islamic banking services. These results are consistent with the TRA explanation of rational choice as applied to banking products operationalised through the obtainment of knowledge related to Islamic banking.
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