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A systematic qualitative case
study: questions, data collection,
NVivo analysis and saturation
A systematic
qualitative
case study
Md. Kausar Alam
Department of Accounting and Finance, Universiti Putra Malaysia,
Serdang, Malaysia
Abstract
Purpose – The study aims to explore the case study method with the formation of questions, data collection
procedures and analysis, followed by how and on which position the saturation is achieved in developing a
centralized Shariah governance framework for Islamic banks in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach – Using purposive and snowball sampling procedures, data have been
collected from 17 respondents who are working in the central bank and Islamic banks of Bangladesh through
face-to-face and semi-structured interviews.
Findings – The study claims that researchers can form the research questions by using “what” question mark
in qualitative research. Besides, the qualitative research and case study could explore the answers of “what”
questions along with the “why” and “how” more broadly, descriptively and extensively about a phenomenon.
Similarly, saturation can be considered attaining the ultimate point of data collection by the researchers
without adding anything in the databank. Overall, this study proposes three stages of saturation: First,
information redundancy. Second, referring the respondents (already considered in the study) without knowing
anything about the data collection and their responses. Third, through the NVivo open coding process due to
the decrease of reference or quotes in a certain position or in the saturation position as a result of fewer
outcomes or insufficient information. The saturation is thus achieved in the diversified positions, i.e. three
respondents for regulatory, nine for Shariah scholars and officers and five for the experts concerning the
responses and respondents.
Research limitations/implications – The study has potential implications on the qualitative research
method, including the case study, saturation process and points, NVivo analysis and qualitative questions
formation.
Originality/value – This research defines a case study with the inclusion of “what” and illustrates the
saturation process in diverse positions. The qualitative research questions can also be formed with “what” in
addition “why” and “how”.
Keywords Qualitative research, Case study, Questions, Saturation, NVivo
Paper type Research paper
Received 26 September 2019
Revised 2 January 2020
14 April 2020
25 May 2020
27 May 2020
Accepted 27 May 2020
1. Introduction
The operation of Islamic banking started in Bangladesh by the formation of Islami Bank
Bangladesh Limited in 1983 (Ahmad, 2010). At present, Bangladesh has eight full-fledged
Islamic banks, along with 19 Islamic banking branches and 35 Islamic banking windows
from the conventional banks (Bangladesh Bank, 2019). Islamic banks are functioning their
activities through their self-developed Shariah Governance (SG) guidelines from its
beginning, and the central bank, namely Bangladesh Bank (BB), has modified some issues
in the existing banking company act and its resolutions. Later, BB has outlined SG guidelines
in 2009 highlighting some rules, regulations and products of Islamic banks. The central bank
The author would like to thank both Editors, Associate Editor Dr. Amon Barros and anonymous
reviewers for their valuable time, constructive comments and suggestions for the improvement of the
manuscript. A special thanks to Dr. Mohd Mursyid Arshad, Senior Lecturer at Faculty of Educational
Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia for his suggestions and unconditional help in the NVivo
data analysis process of this research project. The study does not receive any specific fund or research
grant.
Qualitative Research in
Organizations and Management:
An International Journal
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1746-5648
DOI 10.1108/QROM-09-2019-1825
QROM
does not set up any separate Islamic banking department for monitoring the functions of
Islamic banks. Therefore, the existing self-developed practices and absence of SG guidelines
hamper the proper functioning of this industry (Ahmad et al., 2014; Perves, 2015; Alam et al.,
2019, 2020a) as well as create regulatory gaps, confusion among the bankers, customers,
businessmen, government and industry practitioners concerning Islamic banking business
and Shariah compliance in Bangladesh (Abdullah and Rahman, 2017; Ahmad et al., 2014;
Sarker, 1998). In the existing practices, the Board of Directors (BOD) and management
influence in the functions of SSB in implementing SG guidelines (Alam et al., 2020b). The
study of Alam et al. (2020c) highlights that limitations of knowledge and expertise as well as
the intention of concerned stakeholders (such as regulators, policymakers, Shariah experts,
government executives, Islamic bankers, BOD and civil societies) are responsible for the
absence of a comprehensive Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) of Islamic banks in
Bangladesh. Since the supervision of BB is limited to conventional banking activities, its
efforts are insufficient for Islamic banking (Alam et al., 2019). Additionally, Bangladesh does
not have a Centralized Shariah Supervisory Board (CSSB), and Islamic banks are not bound to
follow the guidelines of the existing Central Shariah Board for the Islamic Banks in
Bangladesh (CSBIB) as it does not have any legal status. Thus, the study of Alam et al. (2020d)
highlights the formation process of a central Shariah regulatory authority under the central
bank. Therefore, most of the studies recommended developing a comprehensive
homogeneous SGF for the Islamic banks in Bangladesh (Abdullah and Rahman, 2017;
Ahmad et al., 2014; Alam et al., 2019; Alam et al., 2020a, b, c, d).
The objective of this paper is to illustrate the overall research process concerning the case
study, questionnaire formation, data collection process and saturation point on how and
which position it was achieved in the development of a Centralized Shariah Governance
Framework (CSGF) for Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The application of the research approach
depends on the demonstrated research questions developed for the study investigation. The
past research illustrated that a qualitative case study research allows the explanation and
understanding of complex matters. It is obligatory to have a sound and appropriate research
method for understanding a comprehensive and complete inquiry. Mills et al. (2010) outlined
that few studies have illustrated the case study method for researchers, students and
professionals by explaining the overall process of this method as a guideline. As social science
research, case study becomes dominant and widespread in the investigation process of
sociology, education (Gulsecen and Kubat, 2006) and community-related issues (Johnson,
2006), which include topics on unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, drug addiction, etc. This is
due to the limitations of the quantitative studies since it cannot provide a more comprehensive
and proper clarifications of social and human attitudes. The case study method can explore
and illustrate the research topic in various ways by collecting the data within the context of the
subject matter. This diverse way of data collection helps to understand the issues widely and
explore the information more descriptively. Consequently, Zainal (2007) stated three benefits
of the case study research. First, the data examination most commonly focused within the field
area where the functions are accomplished (Yin, 2013). Second, variations regarding the
intrinsic, instrumental and collective strategies to case studies permit the researcher to
analyze the data in qualitative and quantitative ways. Third, qualitative research assists in
describing the practical life situation along with difficulties. While it is well known and
established that qualitative and case study approaches are more suitable in exploring the
complex behavioral procedures and how and why questions (Yin, 2013; Cooper and Morgan,
2008). This research examines the current SG practices, explores the problems of different
bodies concerned with SG and finally proposes a comprehensive CSGF for the Islamic bank in
Bangladesh, which is directly related to the organizations functioning process and behaviors.
The study is motivated due to many reasons. At first, the execution of a case study method
depends on the study’s aims, situations and questions (Ghauri, 2004). Concerning the
research questions formed with “what” (for example, “what are the reasons behind the
differences in the mechanisms of Shariah governance framework practices in Islamic banks?”),
the objective of the study is to explore the reasons for the diversified practices and outline
problems, later the developed hypotheses or propositions can be testified. There can be any
research strategy used in exploratory research. The questions formed with “how many?” or
“how much?” favor in a survey or archival research. Again, the questions formed with “how”
and “why”, a case study technique is favored and recommended (Ghauri and Grønhaug, 2002).
Therefore, Ghauri (2004) in his paper illustrated that researchers applied case studies for a
diversity of “what”, “how” and “why” questions, in the numerous areas of the international
business (Coviello et al., 1998; Hyder and Ghauri, 1989, 2000; Ghauri, 1983, 1992).
Second, the qualitative researchers have described the saturation concepts in their
research studies, writings, reports and journals, but in numerous cases, they have not
illustrated what it means, how it is achieved rather than mentioning that saturation is
attained. The American Psychological Association Publications and Communications Board
Working Group’s Journal Article Reporting Standards for Qualitative Research (JARS-Qual)
suggested authors illustrate the reasons for finishing data collection and provide an example
for data saturation (Levitt et al., 2018). Like this, it was undefined the saturation and become
regularized as a conceptualized tool and become very regular practices in qualitative
research. Thus, students were unable to provide the full answer for the data saturation in
their claims in which way and how it was achieved. Hence, data saturation is widely used as a
common tactic (Marshall et al., 2012, 2018), but there are no clear explanations in its definition
and determination (Bowen, 2008; Malterud et al., 2016), as it is self-explanatory. This suggests
that the data saturation viewpoint is used, at least partly, and maybe exclusively in numerous
cases, as an oratorical instrument, instead of considering a methodological practice, a
direction to and placement of an idea frequently apparent to act as a real and definitive
guarantor of the appositeness of sample size (Morse, 2015). In some cases, they described it
indefinitely or the description showed in the footnotes of articles or reports. By arguing with
this gap in the research, Caelli et al. (2003, p. 13) claimed that “evidence of saturation must be
given in the presentation of the data and discussed via the forms in which it has been recognized
during the analysis”. Thus, it is essential to provide a clear definition and process of acquiring
the saturation point. The new researchers, particularly the beginners faced many problems in
defining, identifying and determining saturation without any rules and guidelines because
specific and clear strategies for defining saturation are nearly nonexistent in the literature on
qualitative methods. Whether such policies are essential remains open to argument. Still,
there is a lack and debate in the saturation process in qualitative data collection.
Third, the researcher claims that qualitative methodology and case study can also explore
the answer to the “what” questions besides the “why” and “how”. The study has developed an
interview protocol (see appendix) to examine the current practices and to develop CSGF for
Islamic banks in Bangladesh. Also, the main research questions and sub-questions (see
appendix) were related to the understanding and knowledge of the Shariah Supervisory
Board (SSB)/Shariah scholars, Shariah officers, executives of the central bank and prominent
bankers with vast experience. In the questionnaire, two main questions and six sub-questions
have developed with “what” question mark along with “why” (see appendix).
This research has some interesting findings. At first, regarding the inclusion of what in
the research questions. Some of the research questions are formed with what question mark.
The overall questions in the interview protocol are associated with the daily routine of the
different bodies of the SGF, the operational process of the SGF, the roles, functions, power and
obligations of the SSB and executives and lastly, on the overall operations of the
organizations. Therefore, it can be stated that a case study is a way of articulating the whole
picture of a phenomenon more broadly, descriptively and extensively by using “what”, “why”
and “how” questions. Second, the study discovers that the central bank executives have a lack
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of knowledge concerning Shariah issues, which is required in a case study. These have been
overcome with the documents provided by the respondents and published guidelines of the
central bank and Islamic banks. Thus, it is recommended that background, knowledge and
understanding of the respondents should be considered widely in exploring the actual
phenomenon comprehensively. In conclusion, this study illustrates the saturation process, i.e.
how it occurred and achieved.
The study has numerous contributions to the existing literature. The study has redefined
qualitative research and case study with including “what” as the study objectives already
achieved. Therefore, this inclusion of “what” in this research contradicts prior research which
suggested “how” and “why” questions in making the research questions (e.g. Myers, 2009;
Cooper and Morgan, 2008; Mouton, 2001; Ghauri, 1992, 1989, 1983). Second, this research has
outlined the particular process of saturation, data saturation and saturation points by
illustrating how it has achieved or occurred in different positions in the area of a case study.
Third, saturations occur at the positions while nothing new has added with the prior database.
Finally, this education highlighted the challenges in selecting the respondents in a single case
study and various challenges faced by the researcher in data gathering. Considering strategic
policy development or part of strategic management for the Islamic banks in Bangladesh, the
executed data collection procedures will be helpful for future researchers to outline and to
explore the organizational governance policies, problems and the way of solutions.
The article is structured as follows. Section 1 deals with the introduction. Section 2 outlines
the literature review regarding the research methods, case study and saturation. Section 3
provides the overall methodology of data collections. Section 4 highlights the discussion of
the findings of the research, and finally, Section 5 concludes with implications, limitations of
the study and future research recommendations.
2. Literature review
2.1 Case study
Qualitative researchers incline to illustrate and explore the social issues rather than social
structures, and qualitative research is more suitable to understand the actual behavior of
human interactions, meanings and procedures that establish actual organizational
surroundings. The perception and understanding of the purposes of the institutional
members are significant in itself (Nelkin and Brown, 1984) and is a job frequently ignored in
organizational study. Again, it is possible to provide more explanation about the research
phenomenon as the researchers observe the behavior and activities of the respondents (Van
Maanen, 1979). In a matter of management research, qualitative research can deliver full and
comprehensive images of definite actions in actual settings that recover and preserve the real
senses that performers ascribe to these activities and environments. Besides, this method can
also provide detailed information regarding the social processes and management issues as
well as concepts of organization, the behavior of the performers, human communications and
their meanings (Gephart, 2004). Gephart (2004) defined the case study as a single unit or event
of analysis selected by the investigator and frequently uses archival or documentary data
together with other sources, a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative data. This
approach also applies to theory development (Eisenhardt, 1989; Eisenhardt and Graebner,
2007) and framework development.
However, the qualitative method is progressively applied in the area of social work inquiry
as a means to connect and discover participants’ practical experience about the phenomenon.
Informal encounters, while they afford exclusive opportunities to construct understanding
from the viewpoint of the informer, also indicate an intrinsically subjective endeavor. The
investigator is the tool for analysis across all stages of a qualitative research study (Starks
and Trinidad, 2007). It is continuously recommended in the previous research that
quantitative research assessment standards being generalized to the assessment of all
management research (for example, Mitchell, 1985; Scandura and Williams, 2000). Indeed, the
perils of such quantitative methodological narrow-mindedness discerning against publishing
qualitative management research in renowned management journals, as a result of the
monological execution of the suck evaluation process, have been frequently expressed (Amis
and Silk, 2008; Symon et al., 2000; Pratt, 2008). This matter has articulated directly by
numerous treatises printed in high-class management journals (e.g. Bansal and Corley, 2011;
Bluhm et al., 2011; Tracy, 2010; Pratt, 2009; Suddaby, 2006; Gephart, 2004) intended at
promoting the publication of, but also disciplining, qualitative investigation. In so doing, a
criteriological instruction appears to have developed recently. As a result, dissertations have
described some ways by differentiating qualitative research from quantitative research
which raises new problems. Such as, the formation of different epistemological and
ontological postures (see, Guba and Lincoln, 1994; Prasad and Prasad, 2002) that lead to
dissimilar methods of engagement and hence cannot be assessed by the similar standards as
if those standards were somehow separated from the philosophical agreements that validate
their structure initially (see Bochner, 2000). Consequently, numerous prestigious
management journals have taken initiatives for identifying specific methods to qualitative
research and set some criteria or frameworks for assessing its quality (see, e.g. Bansal and
Corley, 2011; Blum et al., 2011; Gephart, 2004; Suddaby, 2006; Tracy, 2010).
Case study research is suitable for the examination of a phenomenon in its natural context
(Yin, 2013; Stake, 1995; Eisenhardt, 1989, 1991). Yin (2013), Creswell et al. (2003) and Saunders
et al. (2009) argue that while there are several research strategies exist in business and
management including survey, case study, action research, grounded theory, ethnography,
cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, it is important to select the appropriate strategy for a
particular research study. Case study research, as defined by Yin (2013), Eisenhardt (1989,
1991) and others, has well-defined steps. Simons (2009) outlined, “case study is an in-depth
exploration from multiple perspectives of the complexity and uniqueness of a particular project,
policy, institution, program or system in a real-life” (Simons, 2009, p. 21). Fridlund (1997) defines
a case study as a research strategy in which an empirical investigation in detail is carried out
on a particular subject, which might be a single person or community, family, team or
organization. The author also states that it is considered to be the most preferred method of
undertaking research when a question like “how” and “why” needs to be answered. Therefore,
based on this perspective, the researcher can choose to use either exploratory, descriptive or
explanatory research. Generally, according to Simons (2009), whatever method is selected
needs to suit the circumstances, whether the survey method or experimental approaches
cannot be adopted or fail to fit in with the requirements of the research. Additionally, the way
stated by Eisenhardt (1989) has a strong response to a decade and frequent call for more
qualitative, contextual and interesting research (for example Burrell and Morgan, 1979;
Evered and Louis, 1981; Morgan et al., 1983; Ouchi and Wilkins, 1985; Sanday, 1979; Schein,
1988; Smircich, 1983; Van Maanen, 1979, 1988). But according to Dyer and Wilkin (1991), their
method has limitations in terms of new and better theoretical visions as the “classic” case
studies have. The application of a single case study rather than a multiple case study is better
for a deep understanding of the research phenomenon (Dyer and Wilkin, 1991). The authors
highlighted three essential issues for a single case study: (1) the in-depth study of a single case
(context) versus the study of multiple cases (contexts), (2) deep versus surface descriptio, and (3)
the telling of good stories versus the creating of good constructs (Dyer and Wilkin’s, 1991, p. 613).
Meanwhile, Cooper and Morgan (2008) provided a similar claim that case study strategies
are beneficial in exploratory composite social processes and addressing questions of how and
why. Whereas, Bryman (2008) stated that there is a link between the qualitative analysis and
case study; however, such an association is not absolute as it can be used for both qualitative
and quantitative research. Similarly, Dul and Hak (2007) outlined that a case study should be
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analyzed in a qualitative method. The selection of a research strategy is based on the type of
research question (Berg et al., 2004; Saunders et al., 2009). Yin (2013) opined that the case
study approach is one of the best strategies for presenting evidence in a linear format.
Further, in such a strategy, the researcher is directly involved in the collection of data thus
making the research ethically justifiable. The researcher was keen to give an authentic voice
to the informants, recognizing their roles as “knowledgeable agents” and facilitating
interviews to enable them to explain their thoughts, intentions and actions (Gioia et al., 2013).
These steps provided confidence that the case was likely to provide in-depth, locally
constructed, contextual insights (J€arvensivu and T€ornroos, 2010) and to provoke thought and
new ideas (Siggelkow, 2007). The transcripts facilitate the development of coding
mechanisms and identification of concepts and themes (Gioia et al., 2013).
Case studies have appeared as an important qualitative tactic in numerous management
areas (Gummesson, 2000; Scapens, 2004), even with the constant supremacy of survey tactics
and statistical foundations of research in multiple disciplines of management, together with
finance and marketing (Gummesson, 2000). The capacity of case studies to draw from diverse
data sectors to permit numerous stages of concurrent analysis of the dynamics in a single
background (Eisenhardt, 1989) creates the possibility for a broader understanding of the
organizational environment than that can be carried by statistical examination. There is a
possibility of generalization from good case studies. Lukka and Kasanen (1995) suggested
three types of generalization rhetoric such as statistical generalization; contextualization
generalization that establishes a “meaningful and convincing connection of the study with the
real-world phenomena surrounding the case in question, such as history, institutions and
markets” and useful generalization in which
. . .the researcher relies on the diffusion of solution ideas and argues that the successful
implementation of the solution . . . makes it credible that the solution will also work in similar
organizations elsewhere (Lee et al., 2007).
Dube and Pare (2003) outlined 53 criteria of a case study which explained theory building or
theory-testing purposes in the area of management information systems. Again, Dube and
Pare (2003) from 183 papers published in seven leading information system journals in the
year 1990–1999, stated that 42% manuscript outlined a clear research question, and only 8%
discussed the unit of analysis. Therefore, the case study selection procedures were not clearly
stated in the 85% single case studies and 68% of multiple case studies papers. In total, 42% of
papers did not highlight the data collection process and of the other 58%, only 5% paper
defined a case study tactic. The data analysis part was not adequately deliberated in 77% of
the articles and only 199% of manuscripts provided a clear chain of justification. Therefore,
Dube and Pare summarized that a considerable number of articles have a lack of rigor that
needs to improve in future research. The above arguments also support the remark by Stuart
et al. (2002) and Hilmola et al. (2005) who also found that case studies applied in both the
operations management and supply chain management do not adequately illustrate the
methodological subjects. Hilmola et al. highlight that only 12 manuscripts among the 55
publications provide satisfactory references to the literature regarding case study research
methodology. Stuart et al. (2002) as a reviewer, outlined that numerous case study research
manuscripts indeed absence an argument of essential aspects, for example, a statement about
the research aim, descriptions of the protocol, case selection criteria, measurement and
analysis. Similarly, Meredith and Samson (2002) noted that a case study methodology is often
not well understood and not applied rigorously.
The researcher applied the case study as per Merriam (2009) who described the method as
“an intensive, holistic description and analysis of a single entity, phenomenon or social unit”
(p. 34). A convincing motive for executing a case study is to progress a comprehensive
understanding of the SG systems and its reason behind the absence of SGF. It is worth noting
that prior readings on the SG functions in Islamic banking have recorded the use of an
interview approach as the research instrument employed in their studies (for example.
Safieddine, 2009 and Rammal, 2010). Rammal (2010) and Safieddine (2009) asserted that the
application of case study research allowed them to examine the SG of Islamic banks in more
detail. Haridan (2016) justified the quality of Shariah compliance of Islamic banks in Malaysia
using a case study. Besides, the study of Bindabel (2017) examined the influences of SG on
cross border merger and acquisition of Islamic companies in Gulf countries by using multiple
case studies. Therefore, Merriam (2009) suggested four significant features of a case study
such as “particularistic”, “descriptive”, “heuristic” and “inductive”. Case study research
emphasizes on a specific issue to deliver a comprehensive explanation that illumines the
understandings of the readers. As most of the case studies are inductive; thus, this study
started with interviews, observations and document analysis. Therefore, the case study
technique is used to explore the practices and problems of different authorities related to SG
and to outline a CSGF for Islamic banks in Bangladesh. In terms of theory advancement,
qualitative research seeks to generate, elaborate or test management theories (Lee et al., 1999).
Theory generation is the qualitative creation of new theory which results in testable research
propositions. The researcher has achieved transparency through initial concepts
development, sub-theme and main themes (Gioia et al., 2013).
2.2 Sampling size
While quantitative research deals with a massive amount of data for producing statistical
and numerical outcomes, qualitative studies employ a small number of samples. As the
sampling aim of qualitative research is to gather information, which is beneficial for
understanding the difficulty, complexity, difference or context within a phenomenon, instead
of representing numbers as in quantitative research, it works with small sampling sizes. The
generally suggested standard for qualitative research is collecting data until reaching the
saturation points (Merriam, 2009; Charmaz, 2006; Morse, 1995; Glaser, 1992). Numerous
scholars have claimed that there is a tendency among the researchers that data have
saturated for justifying and early closing of their data collection process (Charmaz, 2006).
In a similar vein, Eisenhardt (1989) recommended that cases should be added until
“theoretical saturation” is reached and Lincoln and Guba (1985, p. 204) suggested sampling
selection “to the point of redundancy”. Similarly, Patton (1990, p. 181) did not provide an exact
number or range of cases that could serve as guidelines for researchers, claiming that “there
are no rules” for sample size in qualitative research. However, the views of these writers
ignore the real constraints of time and funding in postgraduate research, i.e. post-graduate
students need some guidelines to plan their program around (Perry, 1998). Though, the
researcher should meet the requirements of the method considering the real availability of
time and resources and, if he cannot, he should choose another alternative consistent with the
resources he has. There is no opportunity for saying that researchers have limitations
concerning time and funding without meeting the required data.
In selecting the number of the respondents, Crouch and McKenzie (2006) proposed that less
than 20 respondents would be able to help the researcher to make and maintain a close
relationship and thus improves on the open and thoughtful sharing of information.
Subsequently, the perfect sizes of many qualitative types of research are 15–20 for
homogeneous interview participants. Sandelowski (1995) suggested that among the
homogeneous people, a suitable sample size of 10 might be adequate for a qualitative study.
Some other researchers suggest different guidelines for selecting sample sizes for qualitative
research. For example, Charmaz (2006) stated 25 participants are satisfactory for small
projects, Ritchie et al. (2003) proposed qualitative sample often lies under 50. Besides, Bertaux
(1981) revised in Guest et al. (2006) highlighted 15 respondents are the minimum acceptable
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sample for all qualitative research. Green and Thorogood (2009) pointed out that most of the
qualitative researchers deal with 20 or more respondents, and they found little new knowledge
as well as reaching the saturation point. In contrast, Sandelowski (1995) advocated that the
upper sample limit of respondents should be 50 for a large qualitative study. Marshall et al.
(2013) suggested a range of 15–30 respondents to be involved in the interviews for case studies.
However, Marshall et al. (2013) based on 81 qualitative studies revealed that the
researchers in their studies, those who have mentioned about theoretical and data saturation
as an indicator and their data are large could not clarify this in more detail or provide any
document on the way how they achieved this data saturation as they claimed.
2.3 Data saturation
Saturation is a significant and broadly argued issue in qualitative research method in relation
to the sampling process (Morse, 1994, 1995, 2007; Sandelowski, 1995; Lincoln and Guba,
1985), which indicates to no new information, codes or themes are generated from the data
source, grown from the more firmly perceived concept of theoretical saturation in the
grounded theory. Generally, it denotes to achieving the highest position informational
redundancy or similarity without adding new contributions to any beneficial information to
the body of the study. The viewpoint of data saturation (particularly as or for the validity) is
definitely rooted within qualitative research background. Thus, data saturation is considered
“the flagship of validity for qualitative research” (p. 585) and a standard that “meets with the
ontological and epistemological foundations of qualitative research” (p. 583) (Constantinou
et al., 2017). This study labels this specific procedure of saturation, data saturation and
respondents’ saturation within the broader of the case study. Saturation generally indicates
to the gathering sufficient data for accomplishing the research objectives. In this case,
saturation mainly refers to the perception of data saturation (Merriam, 2009). Besides,
without highlighting the saturation, Cohen et al. (2000) described the reaching point of
wherever “nothing new” has occurred (suggesting the notion of data saturation).
Guest et al. (2006) explained data saturation as –“the point in data collection and analysis
when new information produces little or no change to the codebook” (p. 65), with variations
containing some additional new codes and refinements of code definitions and 2) as “thematic
exhaustion” (p. 65) – the position while no new themes are derived from the data bank. This
definition of data saturation is similar to the concept of saturation as information
redundancy. Based on the interviews, Guest et al. outlined that 94% of what they call highfrequency codes, codes applied to many interview transcriptions, were found in the first six
interviews and 97% after 12 interviews (they revised theme development and their codebook
after every sixth interview, hence the multiples of six; no rationale was given for this).
Therefore, their respondents were in a homogeneous group of people and asked a similar
question set for inquiring the “generalisability” of their findings. Some researchers also stated
data saturation as no new codes were derived in the period of data collection and impressions
and from data analysis. For instance, “the principal investigator reviewed the audiotaped and
transcribed notes throughout the study to monitor saturation, ending data collection when
saturation was reached in both subsamples. Interviewers also discussed saturation and key
findings together after each interview session” (Underhill et al., 2015, p. 670).
However, the concept of saturation remains unclear, and the procedure absences
systematization. Data saturation involves adding new respondents always in the databank
until the completion of the data, as specified by data repetition or excess of the investigation.
Again, saturation occurs when the investigator collects data to the point of diminishing
returns when no new information is included in the previous data. Charmaz (2006) explained
that saturation demands for adjusting new data with the earlier categories, which have
already been collected. Morse et al. (2002, p. 12) denoted to the objective of data saturation,
“saturating data ensures replication in categories; replication verifies, and ensures
comprehension and completeness.” Briefly, qualitative investigators choose their cases
progressively and not restraining the figure of designated respondents up to the data
saturation point. Glesne and Peshkin (1992) recommended that the number of respondents for
a qualitative study could be selected by observing the data throughout data analysis.
3. Data collection and analysis
The objectives of the research project are to find out the actual reasons, the responsible causes
for the absence of a comprehensive SGF of Islamic banks in Bangladesh and come out with a
solution to the development of the SG system. The study adopts a qualitative method
(generally inductive) that is compatible with the interpretivism (constructivism)
epistemology and subjectivism ontology favored by the researcher. This includes the uses
of qualitative research tools, namely interviews, documentation and observation. Qualitative
research design is characterized in inductive and descriptive way and is also related to
several instruments that involve researcher’ direct participation, interviews, observations,
focus group, case studies and fieldwork research methods (Frankfort-Nachmias and
Nachmias, 1996; Bergman, 2008; Creswell, 2012). “. . . the researcher serves as a research
instrument in interpreting archival material” (Van Maanen, 1979, 1988).
Yin (2013) highlighted four characteristics for considering case study research, such as
main attention of the study is to explore the response of “how” and “why” questions, research
cannot manipulate the response or experience of the respondent, unclear boundaries the
phenomenon and context, focused on contextual circumstances as respondents are believed
to be more appropriate for the research study. From the perspective of the study, a case study
approach is believed to be the most appropriate approach in exploring the existing practices,
problems of current practices and related parties and finally, to propose a comprehensive
CSGF for the development and improvement of the SG system of Islamic banks in
Bangladesh. This is because the intensive approach may facilitate researchers to gain an indepth understanding of the current SG practices, problems, mechanisms and obstacles in
developing a CSGF for the Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The case study approach allows the
researcher to find out the features of practical life events, namely individual life, small group
behavior, organizational and executive procedures (Yin, 2013).
I have applied the new institutional theory (NIT) in this study as it delivers a beneficial
structure (a combination of isomorphism and legitimacy) for realizing the social, economic
and legal effect on the countries and institutions as well as their tactical replies to those effects
(DiMaggio and Powel, 1983; Carruthers, 1995; Bringnall and Modell, 2000; Scott, 2014). NIT is
more suitable to promote good corporate governance practices or to formulate Shariah
standards and enforce them. The research attempts to justify appropriate theory in relation to
SGF and examine the influence of NIT concerning the SGF, as there is no direct study in the
previous literature on this issue as well as why NIT is more relevant and applicable
concerning SGF of Islamic banks. A theoretical framework has been developed for examining
the SG practices, structures and procedures by applying the major key components (i.e.
“isomorphism” and “legitimacy”) of NIT. In this case, I intended to explore how does
isomorphism influence on SG practices and how does legitimacy achieve SG structures and
procedures. However, in the nonprobability technique, there is no equal probability for
selecting a population and random selection is not given the significance to the nature of the
specific purpose of the research (Schreuder et al., 2001; Kothari, 2004). There are four types of
probability sampling, such as purposive, selective or subjective sampling. In this regard,
sampling is determined by the nature of the study purposes, research objectives and research
questions (Saunders et al., 2007). The purposeful sampling method allows the researcher to
select the most appropriate objects based on their knowledge and ability to reply to the study
A systematic
qualitative
case study
QROM
queries (Saunders et al., 2007). The researcher has selected purposeful sampling but in taking
the final interviews, the researcher has faced some problems in getting responses due to their
knowledge gap. Thus, I have also applied the snowball tactic in data collection. Therefore, the
researcher used purposeful and snowball sampling in selecting the respondents from the
interviewees and asked them for the most beneficial respondents for this study. In this case,
Lincoln and Guba (1985) stated that all samples selected for some specific purposes, even if it
is collected in a random sampling system in a quantitative method, are acceptable. The below
Figure 1 illustrates the respondents’ selection and data collection process. The respondents
have selected based on their experiences, services years, department, servicing banks, their
publications and research. Concerning the SSB, I have chosen the respondents who have
more expertise and servicing more Islamic banks. In terms of the central bank, I selected the
departments which are mostly related to policy development, implementation, research and
supervision. Lastly, in the area of experts, I considered their professional and practical
experiences, accounting knowledge and research publication in the field of Islamic banking
and SG.
In qualitative research, three types of interviews, namely structured, semi-structured and
unstructured interviews are used by the researchers (Sekaran and Bougie, 2010) and can be
managed face-to-face, via telephone call and online (Hair et al., 2007). The application of
multiple methods is called triangulation, which harmonies the ways so that the flaws of one
may be recompensed for by another. To accomplish the research objectives, the researcher
uses different data collection processes and data analysis which benefits from triangulation.
The semi-structured interview is the most common tactic in the field of accounting and
finance that provides a depth understanding of social events (Bence et al., 1995; Hussey and
Hussey, 1997). In this method, the researcher has prepared a list of themes and questions that
may vary from one interviewer to another, which will create more elasticity than other tactics.
Look at the website of the Islamic banks and central bank
Download and collect the SSBs members list, regulatory respondents and experts’ researchers
Checked and cross-checked respondents as some are servicing more Islamic banks
Initial selection of the respondents with contact details
Contact with central bank and CSBIB
Initial met up with the CSBIB executives and Talked about the initial respondents list
Restructured respondents list based on the suggestions of the CSBIB
Initial contact and provided documents
Scheduled for final interviews
Figure 1.
Respondents’ selection
and data collection
process
Collected interviews, documents and observed
Transcribed interviews and checked with documents
Source(s): Developed by author
In addition, this method allows participants to express their opinions by their knowledge and
experiences (Saunders et al., 2007). In contrast with the other types, the semi-structured
interview method can explore the more in-depth astute information based on the prepared
questions of the phenomenon (Berg and Lune, 2007).
A semi-structured and face-to-face personal interview was applied for the overall data
collection process. When an interview is taken personally, it helps to stimulate the depth
responses from the respondents. This process helps the respondents in understanding the
questions more clearly (Sekaran and Bougie, 2010). This type of interview safeguards the
respondent’s independence in their opinion, which is a highly valued quality in the data
collection arena (Kvale, 1996; Gillham, 2000; Sekaran and Bougie, 2010). The possible
respondents have conducted through his personal relationships as well as with the help of
Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh (CSBIB) and the other SSB members
over contact numbers as well as physically. The respondents are directly related to Islamic
banking activities, SG functions, policy and regulations development. Finally, the researcher
interviewed 17 participants for the overall research from the central bank and Islamic banks
with a combination of regulatory executives, SSB members, Shariah department officers and
experts in this filed which has been given below Table 1. Therefore, Sori et al. (2015) also
suggested another two SG models by altering the existing SGF developed by Bank Negara
Malaysia based on the responses of 16 respondents from the SSB members and regulatory
authorities.
In the homogeneous group, saturation occurs at about 12 respondents (Guest et al., 2006).
Sandelowski (1995) narrated that among the homogeneous people, sample sizes of ten might
be adequate for a qualitative study. The prior literature suggests that five to eight
SL
Participants
ID
Position
Organization
Experience
(Years)
1
2
3
4
5
6
RA# 1
RA# 2
RA# 3
SP# 1
SP# 2
SP# 3
Central bank
Central bank
Central bank
Islamic bank
Islamic bank
Islamic bank
10
20
23
16
20
15
Islamic bank
Islamic bank
Islamic bank
Islamic bank
Islamic bank
15
20
25
23
15
Islamic bank
14
E# 1
Ex-Governor
GM
Executive Director
Shariah Advisor
Shariah Dept. Executive
SSB Member and Shariah
Secretary
Shariah Dept. Executive
Shariah Dept. Executive
Shariah Dept. Executive
SSB Member
SSB Member and Shariah
Secretary
SSB Member and Shariah
Secretary
Associate Professor and Dr
7
8
9
10
11
SP# 4
SP# 5
SP# 6
SP# 7
SP# 8
12
SP# 9
13
12
14
E# 2
CEO
15
E# 3
University and banking
consultant
Expert and Ethics Committee
member of AAOIFI
Islamic Banking Consultant
40
University, ACMA
9
Islamic Banking Expert, FCA
34
SSB Member and Former CEO of
Several Islamic Banks
16 E# 4
Assistant Professor and
Researcher
17 E# 5
Consultant
Source(s): Developed by Author
A systematic
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case study
30
Table 1.
Background of the
respondents
QROM
respondents are sufficient in a homogeneous sample and up to 12–20 participants for a
nonhomogeneous sample (Crabtree and Miller, 1999). Latham (2013) in his CEO study
experienced saturation within 11 participants. Saturation is considered when the researcher
notices that there is no new concept or idea on the research ground is mentioned by the
participants in the interviews. This study also selected respondents from three diverse
homogeneous groups of people such as regulators, SSB members and Shariah officers and
experts. As the SG is related with the regulators, practitioners, SSB members and researchers
as well as Bangladesh do not have comprehensive homogeneous guidelines; thus, this study
selected the respondents from three categories to explore existing practices, problems faced
by the different bodies and to outline a CSGF for the development of current system and
practices. They were selected based on their services, age, job location, employment,
knowledge, experience, level of education, number of servicing Islamic banks, their positions
and research. For example, regulatory respondents were selected from the selective
departments which are directly related to the policy development and implementation as
well as related to the research aims from the central bank of Bangladesh. The regulatory
respondents are working in a similar environment, same place, nearer age and more than
20 years’ experience. Concerning the SSB members and Shariah department officers, all of
the respondents are working in Islamic banks (symbolic identity), employment, location
(SSB and Shariah departments) and experiences, knowledge, education and providing
services to ensure Shariah principles. The researcher tried to collect data from all of the
Islamic banks and there was a combination of most of the banks. Finally, the experts’ group
has selected based on their professional services, experiences, research, knowledge and
educational level.
Explanation of semi-structured interviews involves numerous research procedures and
these include data transferring into the computer, abstracting, configuration, identification,
coding and underlining the significant themes in the answer. The researcher employs two
methods in recording interviews, namely taking notes and audio recording. Before recording
the interview, the researcher asked the respondents for permission to record the conversation
over mobile. However, interviewed qualitative data can be very difficult and not readily
convertible into a standard modest element of objectives (Schatzman and Strauss, 1973).
During the interview, first, the researcher gathers and records the conversations
systematically. After obtaining the data, they are transcribed by the researcher to
accomplish the general ideas of the explanation, accuracy, data depths and the actual
meaning before the data are coded.
The researcher also witnesses’ observations on how the respondents explain the answer.
While the researcher conducts the interviews, at the same, he also employs the use of direct
and participant observations to record the observed behaviors and activities about the
participants, institutions and the environment of the companies under investigation for a
better understanding of the issues. Observations indicate that observer looks out and listens
to the events appropriately, and the participant observation provides a direct idea about the
phenomenon. When the phenomenon of the interviews and document analysis come together,
it assists the researcher to develop a complete understanding of the event (Merriam, 2009).
Participant observations control the value of the researcher as being capable of relying on
“one’s capability to understand the motives, views, concerns, interests, unconscious behavior,
customs and the like” (Guba and Lincoln, 1981). The researcher observes the respondents’
way of expression, facial and talking style and their attitude for further discussion. The
common observation based on data collection has led to a saturation point for this study. This
was derived from the respondents’ comments along with their argument for those comments.
However, after interviewing the 16th and 17th participants, no new observation was found;
hence, a saturation point has been achieved. Before proceeding with the interviews, the
researcher has collected a research ethical approval letter from the “University Research
Management Centre”. Below Figure 2 shows the data collection and analysis process of
the study.
To analyze the data, the researcher first categorized the common theme from the
transcribed interview through the code. Saldana (2013) outlined data coding as an
intermediate process between data collection and data analysis. Moreover, data coding is not
merely a process of data analysis and data explanation which allows the researcher to make a
relation between data to idea and from idea to relationship to that research based on all the
data (Richards and Morse, 2007). In this case, Taylor-Powel and Renner (2003) proposed three
phases of qualitative data analysis such as (1) data familiarization; (2) producing the primary
codes, categorize themes, capturing codes, revising themes, the formation of the group and (3)
pattern formation and making the relation between themes over establishing main categories
for a predominant analysis. The first step of this procedure is reading and revising the
transcripts of the interview to cluster the content into codes, and this may be highlighted on
frequent words, cases, a mixture to attain evidence for the research questions from the
previous literature and transcripts of the interviews (Bryman, 2008; Grbich, 2013). Second,
from the codes, the researcher produces themes that consist of two or more codes and relate
them to supporting texts (Welsh, 2002). Finally, the sub-categories are grouped for final
writing and analysis. This tactic enables the researcher to realize the outcomes from all three
categories by drawing ideas and recognizing themes (Attride-Stirling, 2001; Hesse-Biber and
Leavy, 2010).
However, the codification process of themes and codes can be developed from the
literature or can be generated from the data collected (Glaser, 1965; Saunders et al., 2007;
Saldana, 2013). Generally, the two ways of categorizing themes are inductively from fresh
information and deductively from theory and the prior research (Boyatzis, 1998). The process
of qualitative analysis in this study is done inductively as the researcher starts with huge
data collected (interviews) and from the content, the researcher determines the pattern
(themes, concepts) by using emergent context and then fined the relationships. NVivo has
been designed to aid the analysis of huge text used in qualitative research, as it allows deeper
analysis and provides more developed tools to visualize data (Patton, 2002; Gibbs, 2002).
NVivo software is used in the process of constructing code, themes and categories (Strauss,
1987; Joffe and Yardley, 2004). NVivo is used in coding, theory building and analyzing data
A systematic
qualitative
case study
Select respondents
Initial contact
Yes
No
Take interviews
Transcribed, evaluate and
cross checked
Look for
alternative
Analysis
Data coding, categorizing and
theme development
Findings and discussions
Source(s): Developed by Author
Figure 2.
Data collection and
analysis process
QROM
which helps to understand the research problems (Denardo, 2002; Bazeley and Jackson, 2013).
It allows the researcher to replace the “paper and pen” technique by data management and
analysis tools. At first, the researcher produces open coding after that, based on the codes, he
proceeds to the category and the themes. The below Figure 3 shows the NVivo data analysis
process.
NVivo is used in this study as it provides many advantages. First, it gives more flexibility
in the ways to categorize the rich-text data and improves the quality of the generated results.
Second, it helps to reduce the time and efforts that are used to analyze data manually. It also
helps to identify trends and cross-examine information to discover the most important and
relevant themes to the study to produce a better conclusion (Wong, 2008). Furthermore, it has
the capacity to analyze, classify and categorize massive data derived from interview
transcripts, surveys, notes and published documents (Welsh, 2002). Finally, it also helps to
create stunning graphs and models to be presented and explored the relationships between
concepts (Bazeley and Jackson, 2007). Before using NVivo, the researcher discusses with the
experts who have already used NVivo in their research and profession to gain the required
skills to use the software. This software has been selected because it enables the researcher
to control large amounts of data and to create a model for themes and sub-themes
(Gibbs, 2002).
NVivo project registration
Upload interviews and documents
Open Nodes development
Create sub-themes
Main theme development
Nodes structured with similar open nodes
and based on sub-themes
Compare documents
Reports generation
Development of themes figure along with
sub-themes
Figure 3.
NVivo data analysis
process
Explore findings and write discussions
along with open nodes
Source(s): Developed by Author
This research study involves conceptual analysis to analyze and interpret the data from
interviews, observations and documental sources. Thematic analysis is a process of
recognizing, analyzing and reporting themes from data, and flexibility is the most significant
feature of this tactic (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Additionally, the thematic analysis has
theoretical freedom and can be pragmatic through a wider range of theoretical,
epistemological and ontological methods (Braun and Claeke, 2006). Across this theoretical
freedom, it provides a practical and flexible instrument of data analysis that can provide an
ironic, thick, comprehensive and composite account of data (Boyatzis, 1998). In contrast,
Krippendorff (1980) defined content analysis as a process of producing replicable and valid
inferences from the data. Moreover, from the perspective of the study, the thematic analysis is
used to start a general tactic in qualitative data analysis in the various field (Boyatzis, 1998).
After generating the codes, categories and themes from the transcribed data, the researcher
proceeds to explain and interpret the data. The researcher also presents the dialog connected
with each theme in support of increasing dependability through a thick description of the
results (Guest et al., 2012).
However, after completing the overall coding, the researcher identifies the homogeneous
categories based on the research sub-questions and discovers the relationships with the
codes. After that, the researcher moves to the theme development along with a short
description. The study has identified 12 main themes that have given above (see Table 2).
These themes have linked with the sub-questions by following the main research questions.
There are mainly four main themes in each main question. Under the themes, the researcher
has categorized many sub-themes (also known as categories) in each theme. Under the subtheme, responses or quotes or open nodes have discussed along with justification. In each of
the sub-theme, the researcher has found numerous similar responses from the respondents.
The researcher also noted the expression of the respondents in the interview moments which
is also compared with the codes and writings. Thus, the researcher examines the codes,
memos, documents and the observational notes (i.e. from formal and informal interviews) for
ensuring the data analysis process is carried out extensively. I have observed the situation
Research questions (RQ)
Identified themes
RQ 1: To what extent there exist differences in the
practices of SG mechanisms in Islamic banks?
Shariah governance and its importance
Current mechanisms of SGF
Influential factors or pressures in setting up Islamic
banks policies, regulation, practices, structures and
procedures
Influence of resource mechanisms in Islamic banks
performance and Shariah compliance quality
Problems of current SGF, its mechanisms, resolving
system and importance of CSGF
Management influences on SSB decision-making
Reasons behind the absence of comprehensive SGF
Legalization of CSBIB or CSSB in the central bank
Prospective roles and functions of different bodies of
CSGF
Standard criteria and procedures for CSGF
The relationship among the different bodies of a
CSGF
Suggestions for central bank, Islamic banks, SSB and
SG system
RQ 2: What are the problems faced by different
bodies in the current Shariah governance framework?
RQ 3: How should a centralized Shariah governance
framework be operationalized?
Source(s): Developed by Author
A systematic
qualitative
case study
Table 2.
List of identified
themes
QROM
formally and informally. I was offered coffee and cookies from the respondents and offices. I
have discussed with them and tried to raise some issues and collected the inner information. I
introduced with them with personal details and discussed their family and job-related
matters. I was with them several times in tea and cookies and joined in the lunch session.
Additionally, I prayed with them during prayer time. These were done bearing the aims of the
research objectives to add valued information to the observations and for better
understanding the research issues, respondents’ opinions and prior observations. Finally,
the observations and observational notes from both formal and informal interviews were
transcribed in the description and analysis. I found that the Shariah officers are under
working pressure and are not independent. They are unable to provide their opinions
independently. Therefore, I have identified the Shariah noncompliance amount one of the
banks with confidentiality. Again, the researcher has seen similar responses from the
numerous respondents and placed the answer into similar concepts or sub-categories. In this
case, the codes are supported with the previous findings concerning the problems and
practices of SG and a few rules, regulations and functions supported with the SGF outlined by
the central bank of Malaysia and global regulatory authorities. The respondents also
answered as per their knowledge, which is also gathered from the global perspectives and
practices.
4. Discussions
4.1 Case study, formation of questions and data collection
From the perspective of the study, the intensive approach or a case study approach is
believed to be the most appropriate approach in exploring a comprehensive CSGF for the
development and improvement of the SG system and the quality of Shariah compliance of
Islamic banks in Bangladesh. This is because the intensive approach may facilitate
researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the current SG practices, problems,
mechanisms and obstacles in developing a CSGF for Islamic banks in Bangladesh. The
participants or data sources used in the research are selected based on their predicted
knowledge depth and relevancy of information related to the inquiry questions (Yin, 2013).
Ghauri (2004) highlighted that case studies generally contain data collection from multiple
sources, for example, verbal reports, personal interviews, observation and written reports
(such as financial reports, archives, budget and operating statements including market and
competition reports). Therefore, the researcher has collected documents, including (not
limited to) public records, central bank documents, reports, IFIs Shariah guidelines and
individual documents provided by the respondents, and meeting agenda regarding policy
improvement on SG along with the interviews. In total, 22 documents have revised and
compared with the answers of respondents and included in the data analysis and discussion
process. Documents are compared with one another or others and used to validate or match
the information of other documents or other data collection methods. The information which
is obtained from the documents helps the researcher to understand the actual meaning,
develop understanding and reveal inherent perceptions of the study problem (Merriam, 2009).
Documents related to the SG, regulations and policymaking of Islamic banks help the
researcher to identify in-depth answers during the interview and after analyzing the
responses in the interviews.
Therefore, this study claimed that a case study is a way of articulating the overall picture
of a phenomenon more broadly, descriptively and extensively by using “what”, “why” and
“how” questions. By using these questions, the researcher manages to identify the practices
and problems of the existing SG and finally shows the operational procedures of a CSGF.
Moreover, the overall questions are associated with the reasons behind the differences in the
practices of the SG mechanism, daily routine works of the SSBs executive, Shariah
department executives, general officers, management and BOD. The main research question
one (see appendix) is related to identifying the reasons for the diversified practices of SG
within the same regulatory framework, which requires a comprehensive response. Under this
main question, a sub-question is developed with “what” question mark for exploring the
expected duties and performing roles and functions of SSB of the Islamic banks in monitoring
and supervising Shariah compliance and SGF.
Additionally, main research question two is formed with “what” basis to discover the
problems faced by the SSB, bankers and regulators about the monitoring of SGF. Under this
main question, two sub-questions were developed: (1) to identify the problems and obstacles
in the existing practices of SGF of Islamic banks in Bangladesh and the resolving process of
those problems and (2) to ascertain the reasons for the absence of a comprehensive SGF and
probable challenges to legalize the existing CSBIB or to form a new CSSB under the
management of the central bank. Finally, three sub-questions were formed with the “what”
base in the last main question. All of these questions were related to the operational process of
the CSGF, the roles, functions, power and obligation of the different bodies related to CSGF,
standard criteria of numerous functions and process of CSGF and overall reporting of all
parties.
However, the research questions are formed based on the research problems to solve the
research problems and accomplish the research objectives. Consequently, I have formed the
research questions to solve research problems and propose a CSGF. For example, research
questions are formulated to solve specific problems. In this case, researchers formulate
questions based on the pattern and understanding of the respondents or audiences. But the
researcher’s main concern is to outline the answers through these questions to solve the
problems or provide a better suggestion.
Some of the research questions cannot be formulated with “why” and “how” because of the
standard though it requires comprehensive answers. Nevertheless, if one or two main
research questions are not formed with “what” or some of the sub-research questions are not
formulated with “what”, or not the questions in the interview script, what will happen? Some
questions can be formulated with “why” for the individual not for the research. Main research
question one can be formulated with “why” but with “what” it seems to sound to hear, ask and
explore the actual reasons for diversified practices. In terms of main research question two, it
is not possible to formulate with “why”, as it aims to identify the problems of different bodies
concerned with SGF. The formation of the research question with “what” will make the
research questions more comfortable to understand, express and explore the answers
concerning the SG practices, problems of different bodies and exploring a CSGF. Thus, we
can formulate research questions by using what, why and how for solving research problems
and accomplishing research objectives. But it demands more comprehensive responses
rather than brief answers. Thus, the question of “what” explores the problems of different
bodies of SGF, reasons behind the absence of a comprehensive SGF, expected roles and
functions of SSBs and finally to develop a CSGF for Islamic banks in Bangladesh. These
requisite a comprehensive response rather than a brief answer as these issues are related to
the operationalization process of a CSGF.
The research started with a theoretical structure, but the features of the framework are
examined inductively over interviews, personal observation and document analysis.
Regarding the theoretical framework, this research finds the negative legitimacy of the
Islamic banks in Bangladesh. However, most of the questions in the interview are related to
the central bank, SSB members/Shariah scholars and renowned bankers or experts about
what they know regarding the SG of Islamic banks in Bangladesh. In this research, the
researcher plays the role of an observer outside the case and does not have any control over
the behavior of the management teams in the central bank, SSB and CSBIB members and
renowned bankers or experts or practitioners. The vast majority of the interview questions
A systematic
qualitative
case study
QROM
are objective about what they (SSB members/Shariah scholars, central bank executive
officers, ex-central bank governors and renowned bankers) know about the SG and the
influence of Islamic principles in the development of SG of Islamic banks.
The researcher faced problems in getting the entrance to the central bank as the Human
Resource Department (HRM) showed a negative attitude to allow data collection though the
“University Research Management Centre” ethically approved the study. Nevertheless, the
researcher has contacted the HRM before proceeding with the pretest and has confirmed with
authority the rationale of the study. The junior or mid executives of the central bank are not
willful to provide the interviews as they are under invisible pressure and criticized by the
colleagues. These are the challenges faced by the researcher in the process of data collection.
However, this does not affect data collection and the saturation process. He collected formal
data from three respondents and discussed with other few respondents for ensuring the
perceived data saturation. Additionally, some of the respondents did not allow to record the
conversation and completed the session with some suggestions.
4.2 Explanations of saturation
In this section, I have discussed the saturation process of this research project in three steps:
At first, redundancy of the information. Second, referring the respondents without knowing
anything about the data collection and their responses (as already collected data from those
persons). Third, over the NVivo open coding process. In this case, saturation considered as
the decrease of reference or quotes in a certain position or in the saturation position because of
fewer outcomes or insufficient information. Finally, this study achieved saturation in three
different positions and completed the overall saturation within 17 respondents. The below
discussions are as placed on three steps.
Through the coding process and constant comparison, the researcher started with open
coding through NVivo software. The green open coding of NVivo made the coding process
more comfortable and worthy. From the code, the researcher categorized and produced
themes. Supporting data from document reviews and observations are taken into account as
well. When the researcher listens to the recording, similar responses and comments from the
respondents in dissimilar places, revealing to the researcher similar data constantly, then the
researcher focusses on purifying thematic arrangements in the data categories. This marks
the stage at which no new data appeared to be provided by the subsequent respondents or, in
other words, when new respondents appeared to be saying almost the same thing as earlier
respondents. Therefore, the researcher stopped further data collection. Along with the prior
statement concerning the saturation, the researcher compares the codes and opinions with
the banking regulatory and policy guidelines of the central bank. Besides, in terms of the SSB
and Shariah officers, the study has reached saturation within nine respondents while the last
respondent suggested similar suggestions and responses. Concerning the experts, the
saturation point achieved within five respondents along with some particular suggestions
and similar responses. Thus, it can be said that saturation is the ultimate point of the data
collection process to be attained by the researchers while there is nothing new to add in the
databank. The below Figure 4 illustrates the overall saturation process.
Initially, the respondents talked about the problems and practices of the current SG, but
the outcome for developing a CSGF was absent in their responses. Therefore, the research
moves forward to the next step to obtain the response concerning the operationalization
process of the CSGF. In this case, respondents are referring to some of the documents
published by the central bank of Bangladesh and some other countries (Malaysia, Turkey,
Sudan and Bahrain) guidelines, which were helpful in the data collection process. Finally, the
respondents from the experts’ side illustrated the operational procedures. They suggested
checking the global regulatory standards provided by the countries and organizations such
Collect interviews, documents
and observe
Referring to the prior respondents and
their responses
A systematic
qualitative
case study
Transcribed interviews and
checked with documents
Found information redundancy
in further interviews
Discussed with other respondents for more
clarifications
Decreasing of references in a certain
position or in the saturation position due to
fewer outcomes
Nothing new and stopped interviews
Source(s): Developed by author
as Malaysia, Bahrain, Pakistan and Indonesia, Accounting and Auditing Organization for
Islamic Financial Institutions and International Financial Services Board.
However, concerning the relationship with the different bodies of the CSGF (see subquestion 4 under main research question 3), the researcher has formulated three draft
frameworks before carrying out pilot testing based on SG practices globally and specifically
in Bangladesh. Therefore, in the initial contact, the researcher has provided the three draft
frameworks, research abstract and interview protocol to the respondents directly and in
their email for their concern and understanding. Then, the researcher proceeds with the final
data collection. The respondents and the researcher discuss the matter which is also
recorded over a mobile device and collected for further clarifications. In addition, the
researcher consulted the respondents several times and arranged two discussions with three
executives from two institutions to follow up on designing the framework. Based on the
suggestions and drawings from the respondents, the researcher modified three previous
frameworks, formulated more frameworks and discussed further with the interviewees to
obtain the most appropriate framework. In the middle of the data collection process, one of
the respondents designs another framework, and this is followed up further after the
interviews along with the previous frameworks. Moreover, the researcher has contacted
previous respondents who have provided interviews to know their opinion about the new
framework which has been redesigned based on the latest issues. Finally, respondents
suggested that as the last developed framework is more comprehensive and broad functions,
therefore, you can propose this framework for the Islamic banks in Bangladesh. Based on
this statement from all of the respondents, the researcher has completed the data collection
and analysis process.
Regarding the second step of the saturation, respondents are referring to the professional
experts and knowledgeable respondents without knowing anything about the data collection
and their responses (as already collected data from those persons). When the researcher has
communicated with the third respondent from the regulatory side, he suggested researcher to
contact the persons who know better than others do. Further, the researcher meets another
head of the department and he also mentions that “they do not know much in relation to the SG
issues of the Islamic banks, and he suggests whatever respondent two has said can be considered
as his opinions and suggestions too”. Moreover, the researcher has contacted some other
Figure 4.
Saturation process
QROM
respondents of the central bank and one of the respondents from the regulatory and policy
side who outlined based on his more than 20 years’ experience that “did you contact this
person (RA#2)? If yes, whatever he said (respondent 2) you might include in your research. One
thing I am suggesting you to present your findings positively rather than negative explanation
and presentation. Therefore, a positive presentation can enhance the eagerness of the
regulatory authorities in terms of application.” The researcher also contacted some other
junior executives of the central bank from various departments to observe their views and
actual scenario, but the data and discussions were not sufficient in relation to the current
study. They suggested on the development of Islamic banking in Bangladesh rather than SG
issues. Thus, I have considered the saturation point regarding the central bank executives as
nothing new was found without their suggestions regarding the presence of findings.
Additionally, concerning the experts, the sixth respondent who has more than 30 years’
experience illustrates that “have you contacted with these persons (referring to the other
respondents from whom data have been collected)? If yes, I think you have already got all of the
answers, and there is nothing new from me as they know better.” As this respondent has vast
experiences and knows the top most personalities in this arena, thus, he suggests collecting
data from other respondents. When he has assured that the researcher already collected data
from those personalities, he mentions that it is not necessary to provide my opinion. Thus, the
study concludes data saturation as an ultimate point where the researcher does not find
anything or find similar previous replies from the next participants. Besides, when the
respondent suggests the other respondents without knowing persons who have been
involved in the interviews can be considered a saturation point if the researcher already has
that data.
However, the author only faced the problems to collect the data from the central bank
rather than other institutions and respondents. There was not any probable scope of
resistance or lack of interest in other groups of respondents. If there is a lack of interest, then
they did not recommend other respondents. In this case, I did not see the lack of interest or any
invisible pressure among themselves. As most of the respondents are well known in the field
and know each other and have vast practical experiences thus, there is less intention to skip
the interview or provide the opinion, and they do not have any lack of interest. In this case, it
would be better if I had a focus group interview with them. Nevertheless, the respondents who
indicated other persons (already considered in the study) spent more than 60 minutes and had
tea and cookies with them. Some of them offered lunch and arranged lunch during the
interview/discussion session. If we argue differently and say that it would not be the same
response as everybody has different views and perceptions. What would be the probable
solution? Regarding this argument, I can say that as the considered or referred respondents
were more popular, knowledgeable, experienced and well-known as well as have a good
relation and perform the pioneering roles in the Islamic banking industry of Bangladesh;
thus, they might not have that skipping intention or lack of interest to provide their opinion.
In addition, if they had that intention, they would not arrange those refreshment
arrangements (tea and cookies and lunch) and discussed the potential prior respondents.
Some of the respondents assist the researcher by providing the potential respondents’ contact
details. Respondents talk with those potential or suggested respondents and introduced the
researcher over the phone as well as request to help regarding this research as little research
has done concerning the SG of Islamic banks in Bangladesh. Additionally, they provided
some documents and stationery items published and produced by themselves (publications,
journals published in monthly, documents and pens) to the researcher for doing this
interesting and desired research concerning Bangladesh. Another example, it is very simple
that when I know some people who are more qualified than me, I will suggest the researcher
contact those persons. When a researcher already gathered data from those more
knowledgeable and skilled persons, then I would like to say you are on the right track.
I think you have got enough data from them. So, it is not essential to give my opinion rather
than suggestions. Thus, the respondents provide recommendations and do not say anything.
However, one of the respondents asked the researcher some questions regarding the data
collection and analysis process to justify the capability of the researcher. Finally, I have
stopped the data collection by considering the probable saturation.
In about the third claim of the saturation, this study finds that the open nodes are
decreasing in a particular position or the saturation position as for lower outcomes or
insufficient information. Concerning regulatory respondent coding, the codes of the second
respondent are higher compared to the first and third respondents. The below Table 3
provides nodes (sub-themes) and references or quotes/open nodes found in the NVivo
analysis.
This Table indicates that the number of reference decreases in a certain position or in the
saturation position because of fewer outcomes or insufficient information. The researcher has
developed open nodes and sub-themes from the transcript of the interviews. In the overall
research, 27–64 sub-themes have developed under 12 main themes. Besides, the range of the
open nodes is 40–251. In the classification of RA, the highest open nodes range is 55–124. In
the saturation process, this research found only 55 nodes, while most are similar to prior
interviews. Concerning SP, the sub-themes ranges were 28–64, and the codes range was 40–
251. Regarding E, the study found 45–52 sub-themes, and the codes range was 114–212. The
sub-themes were accomplished with numerous nodes in each issue, and several quotes were
incorporated in most of the cases. In all of the matters under the sub-theme or categories, the
researcher found 2–6 quotes.
Table 3 shows data saturated in diverse positions as the sub-themes and open nodes have
fewer outcomes and responses. Concerning the regulatory information, it was saturated in
three respondents, about the Shariah perspective, study saturated at nine respondents and
finally, from the experts’ perspective, it was saturated in five participants. Finally, the study
completed with 17 respondents as it achieved saturation. The data are based on their replies.
While doing so, the researcher will become hypothetically profound by engaging themselves
in the data collection and trying to understand what the respondents see as being important
and vital.
SL
Identification of the respondents
1
RA# 1
2
RA# 2
3
RA# 3
4
SP# 1
5
SP# 2
6
SP# 3
7
SP# 4
8
SP# 5
9
SP# 6
10
SP# 7
11
SP# 8
12
SP# 9
13
E# 1
14
E# 2
15
E# 3
16
E# 4
17
E# 5
Source(s): Developed by Author
Identified nodes
References
52
27
31
28
52
39
34
39
64
60
44
40
50
45
52
48
50
124
107
55
40
106
63
76
72
251
248
103
75
212
208
198
134
114
A systematic
qualitative
case study
Table 3.
Number of nodes and
references found in the
NVivo analysis
QROM
5. Conclusion
Before developing a sampling cluster of a qualitative case study, researchers need to consider
some factors such as research design, sampling strategy and generalization issue of data.
Previous qualitative researchers state the possibility of bias in selecting a sample tactic
(Marshall and Rossman, 2011; Glesne and Peshkin, 1992). Thus, Ishak et al. (2014, p. 34) stated
that “by reducing the biases a researcher will be able to gather raw data that is free from
researcher’s influence and subsequently, only explain the phenomenon under study”. In this
case, I have selected respondents based on their education, experiences, the number of
servicing banks, servicing years, professional and practical experiences, accounting
knowledge and research publications. Therefore, there was no chance of influence by the
researcher to select the respondents as well as data gathering. In addition, I selected
purposive sampling initially, but finally, I included the snowball sampling tactic for the
overall data collection process. Notably, the researcher has explained and described the
research phenomenon based on the responses of the respondents and samples.
The main rational proceed in this study note is that the qualitative research and case study
could also explore the answers of “what” questions along with “why” and “how” (see
appendix for the structure of questionnaire). Therefore, the formation of research questions
querying with “what” should be for exploring comprehensive responses rather than brief or
yes or not. While, Yin stated that case studies are a preferred approach when “how” or “why”
questions are to be answered, when the researcher has little control over events and when the
focus is on a current phenomenon in a real-life context (Yin, 2013). The objectives of this study
demanding broad answers from the respondents and have formed with “what” which are
directly related to the daily functions of the Islamic banks and SG. As the research questions
are related to the practical experience of the respondents, the researcher manages to explore
the problems of the different bodies concerning the SGF. Also, I do not have any control over
the research matter and respondents.
Saturation is illustrated in the previous studies without highlighting the proper
elucidations, meaning and attaining procedures. Thus, it has become a challenge for the
researchers to understand the saturation point and the process for the qualitative researcher
to reach the ultimate position. Therefore, this study has examined the saturation perception
in the border of a case study and the process of accomplishment. For doing this, the
researcher shows the nodes and references which denote that the number of references has
decreased in the saturation point. Additionally, I have noted the views of the respondents who
indicate some other knowledgeable respondents who have much better knowledge
concerning the research issues. In general, it reviews the saturation procedure in a case
study over the development of a CSGF for Islamic banks in Bangladesh. In qualitative
research, the notion of saturation is an overall instruction used for determining sample size.
Having such criticisms, the researcher applies case study research to explore the social life
problems, personal behavior and governing issues and problems of diverse authorities and
sections concerning the SG of Islamic banks in Bangladesh. This research discovers that
saturation can be attained at any point without adding something in the existing data.
Moreover, most of the executives are not sincere with SG and Islamic banking due to some
negative issues such as fundamentalist, “Jamati” (political motto) and negative view or
attitude or concept of their colleague. The researcher also observed a similar situation during
data collection among the respondents and the institutional environment. Some of the
respondents are not free and willing to discuss and talk, and they are under an invisible
pressure. Moreover, there are also very few people in the central bank and Islamic banks who
know about the Islamic banking system and SG. As a result, most of them are not interested
in discussing Islamic banks, and they are not concerned with the internal issues of the Islamic
banks and SG matters. They think the central banking system is conventional, and as a
result, they feel Islamic banking is a burden to them. Shariah practitioners have Shariah and
Islamic knowledge rather than Islamic banking and SG perspectives. Some of them have
language barriers, too, especially the English language. They are far behind from global
knowledge, standard practices that are very old and archive.
The study is limited within the Islamic banks rather than including other industries and
countries. The findings may be different in diversified sections (such as Islamic insurance,
microfinance and halal industries) and jurisdictions (such as Malaysia, Bahrain, Sudan,
Pakistan, Indonesia and Iran). Future researchers can also apply the “what” notion in
developing their qualitative research questions in exploring the research subject, whether it
is capable of providing in-depth responses or not. The saturation process and point might
not be similar in the different nations’ aspects. The researchers can justify this new
saturation concept in their studies to explore research objectives and concept validity and
reliability. It can be examined for better understanding and developing more ideas
concerning the saturation concept and process. Thus, it is recommended to justify the
findings from various industries within Bangladesh and other Islamic banking and finance
practicing countries.
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A systematic
qualitative
case study
QROM
Appendix
Interview checklist
A. What are the reasons behind the differences in the mechanisms of Shariah
governance framework practices in Islamic banks?
(1) Why Shariah governance framework (SGF) is important for Islamic banks? How do you explain
the current operational procedures, internal policies, structures and regulatory framework
of SGF?
(2) What are the expected duties of Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) of the Islamic banks and how
do they perform their roles and functions effectively in monitoring and supervising Shariah
compliance and SGF?
(3) Are there any factors or pressures that might control the Islamic banks in setting up the policies
and procedures? Can you give more details please?
(4) How do you think that the appointment criteria, composition, qualification and quality of
Board of Directors (BOD), SSB, management and Shariah department officers have the
influences in Islamic banks performance and Shariah compliance quality? If yes, how? If
not, why?
B. What are the problems faced by SSB, bankers and regulators regarding SGF?
(1) What are the problems and obstacles you are facing in the current practice of SGF in
Bangladesh, and how these problems should be resolved?
(2) How do you explain the problems of different bodies (SSB, BOD, CEO, Central Bank) in
monitoring the SGF and Shariah compliance?
(3) Does management of Islamic banks influence anyway in the decision-making of SSB and violate
the decision to implement?
(4) What are the reasons for not being a comprehensive SGF, and what are the challenges to legalize
the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks in Bangladesh or set up a new Centralized Shariah
Supervisory Board (CSBB) in the central bank?
C. How should a centralized Shariah governance framework (CSGF) be
operationalized?
(1) How do you describe the role, power and functions of CSSB, External Shariah review and audit
committee, BOD, SSB, Board executive committee, Board audit and risk committee,
Management, Shariah secretariat, auditor and board and company secretariat in effective
monitoring and functioning of SGF?
(2) What is your view on the independency and effectiveness and qualification requirements of SSB
members and Shariah secretariat in its formation, appointment and dismissal and what would
be the actions if the management, SSB, BOD and Banks violate the Shariah rules in their
activities?
(3) What is your opinion regarding the standard criteria and procedures for Shariah audit, Shariah
research and development, Shariah risk management and Shariah compliance review, reporting
and disclosure systems?
(4) What should be the relationship between the different bodies of a CSGF, namely the CSSB,
External Shariah review and Audit Committee, Chairman, BOD, SSB, Board Executive
Committee, Board Audit and Risk Management Committee, Management, Board and Company
Secretariat and Shariah Secretariat?
Do you have any suggestions that we did not talk about which enhance the quality of my research?
Corresponding author
Md. Kausar Alam can be contacted at: kausarflorence@gmail.com
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A systematic
qualitative
case study