The advertising standardisation debate revisited: Implications of Islamic ethics on standardisation/localisation of advertising in Middle East Islamic States

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap between previous examinations of advertising standardisation and consideration of Islamic ethics to develop a better understanding of how Islamic values influence global advertising strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a critical review of the literature. The paper presents a conceptual framework which considers both the environmental influences and Islamic ethics which need to be considered when developing advertising strategy in Middle East Islamic States.

Findings

The authors assert the importance of considering Islamic ethics when planning advertising in the Islamic Middle East. In particular, six dominant ethical dimensions are provided for marketing scholars and practitioners to observe: unity (Tawheed), Iman (faith), Khilafah (trusteeship), Balance, Justice or Adl and Free will.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual model presented provides a useful starting point to generate further academic debate and empirical verification.

Originality/value

The paper extends our understanding of the influence of Islamic ethics on advertising and contributes to the wider marketing standardisation literature by considering religion as a key driver in the debate.

Citation

Turnbull, S., Howe-Walsh, L. and Boulanouar, A. (2016), "The advertising standardisation debate revisited: Implications of Islamic ethics on standardisation/localisation of advertising in Middle East Islamic States", Journal of Islamic Marketing, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 2-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIMA-11-2014-0072