Amil's Intention to Take Competency Certification Based on Planned Behavior Theory and Motivation Theory Approach

Abstract

This study addresses the limited uptake of competence certification among Indonesia’s zakat administrators (amil), which may depress national zakat collection by signaling uneven professional quality. We analyze how subjective norms, perceived certification costs, career motivation, and economic motivation shape intentions to pursue certification. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and motivation theory, we use a quantitative design with 131 uncertified amil in Bandung City selected via purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Descriptively, subjective norms, perceived costs, career motivation, and economic motivation are high. Hypothesis tests show that subjective norms, career motivation, and economic motivation positively and significantly influence intentions, while the perceived cost has no effect. These results suggest that social expectations and perceived career and income benefits outweigh fee concerns for this population. The study contributes to the professionalization literature in Islamic social finance by clarifying behavioral and motivational drivers of certification intention. Policy implications include leveraging normative influences and communicating career and economic returns, complemented by targeted financial support for cost-sensitive amil. We recommend expanding free or subsidized certification and institutional facilitation by zakat organizations (e.g., study leave, mentoring, exam preparation) to strengthen amil capability and enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of zakat management.