A Critical Evaluation of Karma Yoga Scales Through a Systematic Literature Review

Karma yoga is a yogic path outlined in the Bhagavad Gita and is extremely relevant in today’s world. This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of the available karma yoga scales. It evaluated 9 karma yoga scales against 11 criteria to guide future researchers in making informed choices. The analysis covered key attributes such as the conceptual framework and dimensionality of the scales, item development processes, sample design and context, along with their reliability and validity. Results reveal that the scales are based on varied theoretical frameworks, lacking consensus. The early scales lack a rigorous theoretical basis and may not be psychometrically sound. The latter scales, with a good theoretical and psychometric basis, are recommended for use. All scales are five- or seven-point Likert scales and are easy to administer, score and interpret. The study identified seven primary limitations in the existing karma yoga scales: a lack of consistency in conceptual propositions and dimensionality, a lack of a rigorous basis for a framework, low reliability, dominance of self-reported scales, inadequate content validity assessment, ineptness in the method of scale composition and lack of cross-cultural validation and adaptation. Based on these gaps, specific directions for future research aimed at strengthening the conceptual clarity and psychometric robustness of karma yoga measurement are outlined. Moreover, its implications in the workplace and mental health contexts are given to enhance employee well-being and performance.