Predicting working sole Indian mothers' satisfaction towards work–family balance integrating the Kano model and weighted average method

Purpose The main impetus of the current paper is to identify and prioritize the work–family balance (WFB) satisfaction attributes specifically for working sole mothers' by deploying the Kano technique and weighted average method. Design/methodology/approach A multi-stage methodology has been used in the present analysis. Initially, the Kano method has been utilized to categorize the WFB satisfaction attributes using a three-dimensional WFB satisfaction scale. Afterward, the satisfaction coefficient technique was employed on Kano outcomes to get the WFB satisfaction and dissatisfaction index. Subsequently, the weighted average method was employed to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes. Findings Findings uncovered the significance of a non-linear association between WFB attributes and employed sole mothers' WFB satisfaction. The findings revealed that one-dimensional and must-be-based WFB satisfaction attributes are responsible for sole mothers' WFB satisfaction and employing organizations must not overlook them. Additionally, the results of weighted average method-based prioritization can help organizations to focus on particular WFB satisfaction criteria according to their priority level. Research limitations/implications The findings are useful for WFB policy-makers and managers to formulate a suitable WFB strategy specifically for single mothers. Social implications Results provide a path for employers to minimize the work–family role conflict and societal dissatisfaction that helps sole mothers to attain the desired WFB. Originality/value This study first employed a novel approach that incorporates the Kano application with the weighted average method in order to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes for lone mothers. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0074