Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026)

From Compliance To Value Creation: Reframing Sustainable Waqf Governance Through a Value-Based Perspective

Abdullah A. Afifi (Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
Adamu Abubakar Muhammad (Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Oct 2026

Abstract

The governance of waqf institutions has traditionally been evaluated through the lenses of legal compliance, shariah adherence, accountability, and transparency. While these governance principles are fundamental to safeguarding endowed assets and maintaining public trust, they offer limited insight into how governance contributes to the long-term sustainability and value creation of waqf institutions. This conceptual paper argues that sustainable waqf governance should be reframed from a compliance-oriented approach to a value-based perspective, in which governance functions not merely as a control mechanism but as a strategic enabler of sustainable economic and social value creation. Drawing upon the Waqf Business Model (WBM), the paper demonstrates that governance is not simply an organizational function but an embedded capability operating across the entire business model, coordinating endowed resources, institutional mechanisms, ethical principles, and stakeholder ecosystems to transform waqf assets into sustainable value. Rather than treating governance as a standalone structural component, the WBM illustrates how governance shapes every stage of value creation, from the stewardship of endowed capital and institutional development to ecosystem collaboration and long-term societal impact. By positioning the WBM as a conceptual lens for understanding value-based governance, the paper extends the discourse on waqf governance beyond institutional accountability toward governance as a strategic capability for sustainable value creation. The paper contributes to the waqf governance literature by bridging governance and business model thinking, demonstrating that governance should be evaluated not only by its effectiveness in ensuring compliance but also by its capacity to orchestrate sustainable economic and social value creation.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jrdti

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Environmental Science Social Sciences Other

Description

A multidisciplinary journal that encompasses topics of regional development, business management, technology and initiatives. The ultimate objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge for improving regional business development and technology practices. This journal also aims to strengthen ...