It is said that tips originated in the 16th century England when guests left money for their hosts’ employees. The phenomenon has long fascinated economists and sociologists. Paying more, in some cases up to 25 percent, even though we are not required to do so, seems to be against the consumer’s best interest.
“Research shows that the more outgoing the personality traits of people in a country, the more service providers they tip and the more they tip,” he said. Michael Lynn, professor of management at Cornell University, in the United States, to the British portal BBC.
In this regard, the North American country has a tradition in which tipping is almost a social obligation. One aspect that the filmmaker Quentin Tarantino reflected in his film “Reservoir Dogs”, where the character of Mr. Pink, played by Steve Buscemi, he refuses to leave his share despite the disapproval of the rest of the diners.
“Tipping is economically important, but at its root it is a social norm,” he said. Edward Mansfield, professor of international relations at the University of Pennsylvania. The practice has spread throughout the world and in general terms, depending on the region and place, the round value between 10 to 20 percent of table spending. But anyone who has traveled knows that the customs surrounding tipping differ from place to place.
Japan
Popular belief has it that Japan is the kind of ascetic paradise where trash is unheard of and social consciousness is elevated to an art form. Among the most prominent social behaviors are not walking while eating, keeping quiet on public transportation, and not pointing with your hands.
Regarding tipping, it is suggested not to tip in Japan. They are not only uncommon, they are also considered embarrassing and uncomfortable. “Even if travelers are told that there is no tipping in Japan, some people are still willing to show their appreciation with money, but it doesn’t work that way,” he said. James Mundytour operator InsideJapan Tours, adding: “It’s common that when customers leave money for waiters in restaurants, they then go after them to return their money.”
China
In the Asian giant, tips were prohibited. Even in China’s most modern megacities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, there is a sense of superstition and tradition about that aspect. Although the confluence of tourism is changing that vision, the discomfort of the gesture is still palpable.
In fact, one of the principles of China is that all people are equal and no one is the servant of another. Above all, the practice is taken as an insinuation of superiority over another person and has long been taboo. Depending on the area, they are considered something between rude and a bribe.
Denmark
Commonly rated as one of the happiest countries in the world for its egalitarian society and communal generosity, Denmark is, by and large, a non-tipping nation. While some Nordic nations have a similar trend, Danish citizens benefit from higher GDP per capita and an outstanding welfare system, which means that service staff are not dependent on tips.
But, although giving gratification is not a tradition, it is a norm in Denmark, and throughout Scandinavia rounding up the bill in a restaurant as a symbolic gesture. For the inhabitants of the land of Hamlet, more important than the tip is the loyalty of repeat visits, which are worth their weight in gold.
by RN
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