Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2025
Keywords
restaurant tipping, gratuity behavior, service exchange, compensation systems, systematic thematic review
Abstract
Tipping reflects a complex interplay of cultural norms, economic incentives, and operational challenges, especially within the U.S. foodservice industry. Building on the systematic literature review and themes presented in Part I, this study examines the subthemes identified across 319 peer-reviewed articles published between 1974 and 2024. Findings reveal saturation points, underexplored topics and intersections, as well as debates surrounding regulations and policies of tipping practices and alternative compensation models. This review integrates a fragmented body of research, provides an overview of key findings, highlights critical gaps, and offers a roadmap for future scholarship and practical reforms in service compensation systems.
Citation
Johnston, N. E., Norris, C. L., & Parsa, H. G. (2025). 50+ Years of Restaurant Tipping Research Part II: An Analysis of Research Subthemes and Suggestions for Future Research. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480251409645
Comments
Web of Science
Sage Publications