Bibliometric analysis of service quality and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking: a roadmap for future research

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, assessing studies related to service quality and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a bibliometric approach, this research draws from literature samples retrieved in April 2023 from the SCOPUS database. The sample encompasses 138 articles published between 1999 and 2023, adhering to specific selection criteria. Analytical tools such as R program, VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel were used to categorise the data into three primary domains: productivity, citation patterns and network analysis. These categories further include the identification of research flows and prospective areas for further investigation.

Findings

The results indicate a substantial surge in publications between 2011 and 2022 involving 372 authors. This study identifies the primary contributors in terms of countries, affiliations, publications, sources and researchers. Seven distinct clusters emerged from the 138 papers, encompassing customer attitude, comparison studies, digital banking, customer loyalty, customer trust, consumer determinants and service quality. Additionally, the study outlines a future research agenda, posing specific research questions.

Research limitations/implications

Recognising the limitations inherent in focusing solely on Scopus-indexed publications, future studies may benefit from incorporating various databases, such as the Web of Science, for a more expansive exploration of study units. A systematic review of articles on a specific topic could also enhance the comprehensiveness of the study.

Practical implications

This investigation empowers Islamic bank managers to devise targeted marketing plans, differentiating themselves from competitors. By implementing relevant improvements in operational and service processes, managers can enhance the customer experience, fostering a lasting competitive advantage. For academics, this study lays a robust foundation for further research, encouraging the development of a comprehensive conceptual model and empirical testing. The identification of current research gaps enables researchers to focus on areas that remain underexplored.

Originality/value

This study not only illuminates critical gaps in existing research but also proposes a research agenda to guide future researchers in remaining pertinent, particularly within the context of Islamic banking marketing.