This paper investigates the differences of Organizational Role Stress (ORS) among men and women bank officers of private and public sectors. Ten types of role stress were measured using ORS scale. The total sample from 456 respondents was divided into two on the basis of gender. Mean was calculated for each type of role stress and for the total role stress for both the groups. To test the significance of difference among the above-mentioned groups for each role stress variable, t-test has been used. Results indicate that women experience more stress than men on most of the stress parameters. Moreover, women in private sector banks experience more stress than women in public sector banks.

Amidst the complexity of life, stress is inevitable in today's work life. The threat of political and economic instability and uncertainties, along with innumerable other factors lead to a high level of stress. Stress is conceived in the concept of role or the position which the person occupies in a job. According to Coleman (1976), modern age has been called the `age of anxiety and stress'. Selye (1936) defines stress as "a dynamic activity wherein an individual is confronted with an opportunity, constraint or demand". Organizational stress arises due to lack of person-environment fit. When organizational stress is mismanaged, it affects the human potential in the organization. It further leads to reduced quality, productivity, health as well as wellbeing and morale. Studies have projected that stress results in a wider range of somatic and psychological patterns which is detrimental to the individual (Strange and Brown, 1970). This in turn has negative economic implications too (Cooper and Cartwright, 1994; and Edworthy, 2000). The paper aims at studying the differences between men and women officers on role stress in the public and private sector banks.

The role of gender on work-related stress has been investigated in a number of studies (Jick and Payne, 1980; and Quick and Quick, 1984). Jick and Mitz (1985) reviewed 19 studies related to gender differences in occupational stress and found that women frequently experienced psychological distress in the workplace, while men experienced more severe physical distress. Traditionally, Indian women lay emphasis on homemaking and work within the family fabric. However, amidst the changing social scenario, many women are joining the workforce and hence are also vulnerable to high stress levels. Earlier research also suggests that women managers often face pressures from their home as well as from their job (Frankensteiner, 1991; and Davidson and Cooper, 1994).

Organizational Behaviour Journal, Organizational Stress, Economic Implications, Private Sector Banks, Public Sector Banks, Resource Inadequacy, Role Ambiguity, Globalization, Economic Crisis, Preventive Management, Organizational Role Stress.