Factors affecting the intention to invest in Islamic Social Responsible Investment (SRI) in Malaysia / Nur Adleen Mohammed Farish

Social Responsible Investment (SRI) is a sort of investment that focuses on both the environmental and social aspects rather than emphasizing on the financial benefit. Besides, Islamic SRI can be defined as a type of investment that facilitates the creation of the ecosystem and promotes responsible investing (Securities Comission Malaysia, 2019). The Securities Commission of Malaysia developed a framework for SRI in 2014 based on financial products consistent with Shariah law. The Islamic SRI has shown a flourishing expansion over the last three decades. This demonstrates that there will be a significant opportunity to enhance the Islamic SRI in the Islamic Finance sector. Therefore, this study aims to determine the factors affecting the intention to invest in Islamic Social Responsible Investment (SRI) in Malaysia. This study also investigates the relationship between attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, environmental and societal concern, knowledge and religiosity towards the intention to invest in Islamic SRI. Besides, the study also aims to identify the most influential factor that affects the potential investor’s intention to invest in Islamic Social Responsible Investment. Meanwhile, this study employs quantitative research through an online survey questionnaire. The sampling technique for this study is non-probability sampling by applying the convenience sampling technique. Besides, the targeted population of this study is the potential private investors who reside in the states of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Meanwhile, the total sample size of the study is 380. A theoretical framework is constructed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as well as Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). The theories are then broadened to include three more antecedents to investigate the motivations for investing in Islamic SRI. The contribution to knowledge is basically environmental and societal concern, knowledge, and religiosity. Due to the study’s emphasis on Islamic SRI perspectives, these variables ought to be included. Based on the result of multiple regression, there are four factors found to be positively significant in the intention to invest in Islamic SRI, namely attitude, subjective norm, environmental and social concern, and religiosity.