This research project assesses the extent to which religion influences standards and behaviour
in business by comparing Islamic banking to co-operative banking as carried out by both
Christians and Muslims. The study argues that Islamic banks are particular in the kind of
products they offer namely the Islamic financial instruments. On the other hand it is the
organisation which is key to co-operative banks. An empirical investigation of over 100 banks
has revealed that Islamic banks are conventional banks with a product range modified according
to Islamic religious law. Co-operative banks operate so as 'to help the poor' an objective in
line with both Islamic and Christian ethics. The book demonstrates that Muslims and Christians
can work together to foster development and to overcome poverty by referring to common ethical
standards in business.
