nep-isf New Economics Papers
on Islamic Finance
Issue of 2026–03–23
two papers chosen by
Ali Polat, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi


  1. Corporate governance: comparative analysis between conventional and Islamic models By Reda Mouna; Oumaima Mouna
  2. Religion and Economic Development: Past, Present, and Future By Becker, Sascha O.; Panin, Amma; Pfaff, Steven; Rubin, Jared

  1. By: Reda Mouna (FSJEST - Faculté des sciences juridiques, Economiques et Sociales de Tanger); Oumaima Mouna (ENCGT - Ecole Nationale de Commerce et de Gestion - Tanger)
    Abstract: The objective of this paper is a comparison between the Corporate Governance models—conventional and Islamic—establishing their theoretical grounds and aiming to clarify points of convergence and divergence. After an initial alignment inherent to corporations, that is, value creation, the analysis demonstrates a significant divergence between the Shura and Shareholder model on the ownership nature, participation in the decision- making process, and the selection and responsibility of managers. A convergence between the conventional and Islamic stakeholder model is evident since the Islamic-oriented model adapts the conventional stakeholder model according to the precepts of the Shari'ah as guidelines, however, maintaining the principles and foundations of the model. Both conventional and Islamic stakeholder models have nuanced differences with the Shura model, aligning on inclusion as an objective but diverging on its modality. They share a double structure of governance, which in the Shura model is circular while for the stakeholder model it is mixed—horizontal and vertical. Simultaneously, the shareholder and stakeholder models differentiate on inclusion and the importance of extra- financial objectives. This work offers an analysis of four prevalent models, establishing their theoretical grounds for future empirical studies and application by practitioners.
    Abstract: L'objectif de cet article est de comparer les modèles de gouvernance d'entreprise—conventionnel et islamique— en établissant leurs fondements théoriques et en visant à clarifier les points de convergence et de divergence. Après un alignement initial inhérent aux entreprises, à savoir la création de valeur, l'analyse démontre une divergence significative entre les modèles Shura et Actionnaires (Shareholder) concernant la nature de la propriété, la participation au processus de prise de décision, ainsi que la sélection et la responsabilité des dirigeants. Une convergence entre le modèle Parties Prenantes (Stakeholder) conventionnel et islamique est évidente, car le modèle à orientation islamique adapte le modèle conventionnel des parties prenantes selon les préceptes de la Shari'ah comme lignes directrices, tout en maintenant les principes et les fondements du modèle. Les deux modèles des parties prenantes, conventionnel et islamique, présentent des différences nuancées avec le modèle Shura, s'alignant sur l'inclusion comme objectif, mais divergent sur sa modalité. Ils partagent une double structure de gouvernance, qui est circulaire dans le modèle Shura, tandis que pour le modèle des parties prenantes, elle est mixte—horizontale et verticale. Simultanément, les modèles Actionnaires et Parties Prenantes se différencient sur l'inclusion et l'importance des objectifs extra-financiers. Ce travail propose une analyse de quatre modèles prévalents, établissant leurs bases théoriques pour de futures études empiriques et pour l'application par les praticiens.
    Keywords: Maqasid-based Governance, Shura Governance Model, Stakeholder Model, Shareholder Model, Corporate Governance
    Date: 2026–01–27
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05479434
  2. By: Becker, Sascha O. (University of Oxford); Panin, Amma (Université catholique de Louvain, LIDAM/CORE, Belgium); Pfaff, Steven; Rubin, Jared
    Abstract: This chapter examines the role of religion in economic development, both historically and today. Religion's influence varies globally, with high religiosity in countries like Pakistan and low rates in China. Despite declines in some Western countries, religion remains influential worldwide, with projected growth in Muslim populations due to higher fertility rates. Religion continues to shape societal norms and institutions, such as education and politics, even after its direct influence fades. The chapter explores how religious institutions and norms have impacted economic outcomes, focusing on both persistence and decline. It also examines cultural transmission, institutional entrenchment, networks, and religious competition as mechanisms sustaining religion's influence. We explore the relationship between religion and secularization, showing that economic development does not always reduce religiosity. Lastly, the chapter highlights gaps in the literature and suggests future research areas on the evolving role of religion in economic development.
    Keywords: Religion ; Economic Development ; Religiosity ; Cultural Transmission ; Secularization ; Historical Persistence ; Religious Competition ; Networks ; Social Norms
    JEL: D85 I25 J10 N30 O33 O43 P48 Z10 Z12
    Date: 2025–03–01
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cor:louvco:2025006

This nep-isf issue is ©2026 by Ali Polat. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
General information on the NEP project can be found at https://nep.repec.org. For comments please write to the director of NEP, Marco Novarese at <director@nep.repec.org>. Put “NEP” in the subject, otherwise your mail may be rejected.
NEP’s infrastructure is sponsored by the Griffith Business School of Griffith University in Australia.