The Effect of Generalized Compliments, Sex of Server, and Size of Dining Party on Tipping Behavior in Restaurants

    Authors

    J. S. Seiter;H. Weger

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Appl. Soc. Psychol.

    Keywords

    CUSTOMERS CHECKS; INGRATIATION; TOUCH; Psychology, Social

    Abstract

    This study examined the effects of food servers' sex, the use of generalized compliments, and the size of the dining party on tipping behavior in restaurants. Four food servers (2 males, 2 females) waited on 360 parties eating dinner, and either complimented or did not compliment the parties on their dinner selections. Results indicated that food servers received significantly higher tips when complimenting their parties than when not complimenting them, although as the size of the party increased, the effectiveness of compliments decreased. These results and their implications are discussed.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Applied Social Psychology

    Volume

    40

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    1

    Last Page

    12

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000273666900001

    ISSN

    0021-9029

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