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Effect of Server Introduction on Restaurant Tipping 1
Author(s) -
Garrity Kimberly,
Degelman Douglas
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.1990.tb00405.x
Subject(s) - payment , cash , constant (computer programming) , advertising , internet privacy , psychology , computer science , business , world wide web , finance , programming language
The effect of a server introducing herself by name on restaurant tipping was investigated. Forty‐two, 2‐person dining parties were randomly assigned to either a name or a no name introduction condition. The use of a buffet brunch reduced contact between server and diners and held bill size constant. Results indicated that having the server introduce herself by name resulted in a significantly higher tipping rate (23.4%) than when the server did not introduce herself by name (15.0%), p < .001. Tipping rate also was affected by method of payment, with diners who charged the meal having a higher rate (22.6%) than those paying cash (15.9%), p < .001. The findings suggest the importance of initial server‐diner interactions. Possible alternative explanations and suggestions for future research are provided.