The meaning of financial accountability in Islamic boarding schools: The case of Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to understand the concept of financial accountability in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). The research is conducted at a pesantren in South Sumatra, which functions as a centre for Islamic education, social and business activities. Research Design & Methods: The research data were obtained through in-depth interviews with pesantren administrators. This study uses transcendental phenomenology to analyze qualitative data. Findings: This study found three themes that were sourced from the noematic experiences of research in- formants, namely amanah, trust, and transparency. This study reveals three essential things: first, accounta- bility in the perspective of the pesantren’s manager consists of accountability to God, the owner of the pe- santren, students, and donors. Second, the manifestation of the implementation of financial accountability is financial recording and reporting. Third, transparency in understanding pesantren’s manager is an openness among pesantren’s administrators. Implications & Recommendations: When accountability based on their experience is understood as account- ability to the pesantren owner, the preparation of financial reports is also understood to be only important for the pesantren owner. Therefore, financial reports as a form of accountability to parties outside the pe- santren are considered not so important, including donors. Contribution & Value Added: This study reveals the meaning of accountability in the pesantren perspective and provides empirical evidence on sharia enterprise theory.