Role Efficacy among Women Employees in Public Sector Banks: A PRISMA Guided Systematic Review and Qualitative Thematic Synthesis of Evidence from India 2016 to 2026

Abstract

Women’s participation in Indian banking has increased, yet organisational and family conditions can constrain their ability to use their skills, exercise influence and develop professionally. This review synthesises evidence from India published from 2016 up to June 2026 on role efficacy among women bank employees, its organisational and individual determinants, and gaps in public-sector banking research. Seven OpenAlex queries identified 192 records; after 54 duplicates were removed, 138 titles and abstracts were screened, 30 reports were assessed for eligibility, and 25 studies were included from OpenAlex. Four eligible 2026 studies identified through other sources brought the synthesis to 29 studies. Reporting followed PRISMA 2020, and findings were synthesised thematically and mapped cautiously to Pareek’s role-efficacy dimensions. Five themes emerged: the work–family interface; organisational support and workplace culture; job satisfaction, engagement and performance; gendered career progression; and occupational stress and social support. Most studies addressed efficacy indirectly through related constructs, while the Patna study directly measured role efficacy among women in public-sector banks. Manageable workloads, role clarity, supportive supervision, equitable opportunities, training, family support and flexibility were associated with greater investment in work. Role overload, time pressure, weak support, inequitable career opportunities and work–family conflict were associated with poorer well-being and performance. The proposed framework links organisational culture, job satisfaction, work–life balance and perceived gender equality to role efficacy through role resources and role strain. Future research should measure role efficacy directly, distinguish public-sector evidence and extend geographical coverage to under-researched settings, including Bihar and Patna City.