Research Psychology_ LitReviewPaperTemplate
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Fullerton College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Information Systems
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by emeraldloc
Running Head: SERVER POSTURE IS IMPORTANT
1
Server Posture Is Important
Emerald Loc
California State University, Fullerton
Abstract
SERVER POSTURE IS IMPORTANT
2
Many studies have been conducted to study the effects of a server’s posture. Lynn and Myneir
published their two research studies in 1933 in regards to server posture and the number of tips
given. After analyzing their research, VanVolkinburg published an article in 1998 of her research
about server posture and add-on sales. Since many servers heavily rely on the tips they earned,
studies that test how servers could possibly increase their tips are beneficial. A new frame to test
the effects of body posture is if the server’s posture influences customer satisfaction.
Can Servers Really Benefit From Their Body Posture?
SERVER POSTURE IS IMPORTANT
3
A large number of research studies have been organized to observe ways servers interact with
customers in an attempt to increase the tip they receive. Lynn, Myneir, and VanVolkinburg
surveyed the same topic: whether a server stands or squats will get a bigger tip. Lynn and
Myneir’s first study observed posture and their second study accounted for the limitations.
VanVolkinburg’s study focused on the additional items that were added to the bill and the tip
amount due to the server’s posture. In all three of the studies, it was found that squatting led to an
increase in tips, when more items were added to the bill. These studies portrayed different ways a
server could serve a table to increase the amount of tip they were given after a shift.
Posture Effect on Tipping
Lynn and Mynier Study 1 Critique
The researchers have read from (Freeman, Walker, Borden, & Latane, 1975; Lynn, 1988; Lynn
&Latane, 1984) and (Lynn & Grassman, 1990),
which prompted the research. The purpose of
this study was to see if a server’s posture, whether standing or squatting, has a direct relationship
to the amount of tip being given. The hypothesis of this study was which kind of posture,
standing or squatting, will increase the tip left by the customer. The participants were the
customers that dined at a Mexican restaurant in Houston, Texas. They were randomly seated in a
previously selected Caucasian male server’s section between March 7 and April 27. A between-
group design was used, thus making the study a true experiment. The material used in this study
was the coin that the server flipped to determine whether he would serve the table standing or
squatting. The manipulated variable was the random assignment of standing or squatting upon
the initial visit to each table. The major finding was that server posture did not affect the bill size
but it did affect the tip being given. The waiter received an average tip of $1.30 larger when
squatting than when standing. Overall, squatting down to match the eye level of the customer
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
SERVER POSTURE IS IMPORTANT
4
proved to have a positive effect on tipping. There have been many other studies that have
acknowledged that different postures of servers affect the overall cost of the bill and the tip
amount.
Lynn and Mynier Study 2 Critique
Lynn and Mynier’s first study prompted this second research study. Study 2 was conducted to
accommodate for the limitations that were in Study 1. The biggest limitations were the attitude
changes of the server between standing and squatting, no customer demographic information was
presented, and only one server was in the study. The research hypothesis was which posture,
squatting or standing, will increase a customer’s tip with add-on sales applied that make the bill
total higher. The participants were the customers who visited a Chinese restaurant in Houston,
Texas. They were randomly selected to seat at an Asian-American waitress section. The study
tested using a between-group design as a true experiment. The only material used in the study
was flipping a coin to determine whether the server would stand or squat. The manipulated
variable was whether or not the server squatted on the initial visit to the table. In this study, “the
waitress received an average of $2.56 when in the standing condition and an average of $3.28
when in the squatting condition The results of Study 1 and Study 2 were very similar. Study 2
took into account the days of the week in which the tip amount was greater, on the weekday
versus the weekend. It also emphasized the effectiveness of the server’s posture.
Integration of Two Studies
Both studies observe server posture, add-on sales, total bill amount, and tip earnings. The results
of the second study, compared to the first, was that it primarily focused on add-on sales rather
than tips. Study 2 also noted customer demographics and the day of the week that they came into
SERVER POSTURE IS IMPORTANT
5
the restaurant. After analyzing both studies, one concluded that the server’s posture increased
add-on sales and the number of tips.
Posture Effect on Add-on Sales
VanVolkinburg Critique
VanVolkinburg read (Lynn & Mynier, 1993) and (Lynn & Grassman, 1990; Harris, 1995), which
prompted her research. This research study had the purpose to uncover the effect of squatting
versus standing on any additional items that are included in the final bill. The hypothesis was
what effect would the posture of the server have on the number of extra items added on,
specifically drinks and appetizers, to a final bill. The participants of the study were the servers of
a Midwestern restaurant. They gave their signature agreeing to be observed from a distance
without knowing that they are being watched. The research design used is a between-group, non-
experimental design because there was no random assignment. The only piece of equipment used
was a watch with a second hand. The manipulated variable was whether the server stood or
squatted when helping the table. The major finding was that the server’s tip earnings did not
depend on the amount of time they spent at the table in a squatting position, but the servers that
stood and spent more time at the table would receive a larger tip. VanVolkinburg conducted this
study to expand the work of Lynn and Mynier’s study. VanVolkinburg conducted this study so
that more than just one server’s posture was being measured in relation to tip amount, and so that
add-on sales could also be measured.
Integration of Two Articles
Both articles report findings that there is an impact of server posture on the total amount of the
bill and the amount of tip. The two articles showed the importance of slight verbal cues and
posture used by servers that could have an effect on bill amount and the tip they received. Lynn
SERVER POSTURE IS IMPORTANT
6
and Mynier’s study focused on the effectiveness of server posture on the bill size, while Van
Volkinburg’s study focused on whether or not the server’s posture had an effect on add-on sales.
Lynn and Mynier’s study presents a relationship between server posture and the number of tips
they earn because of it. VanVolkinburg’s study was a deeper study about server posture and how
it affects add-on sales and tip earnings.
Propose New Research
The purpose of this proposed research is to evaluate whether body posture and time spent at the
table affect customer satisfaction. The research hypothesis is that the squatting posture along
with a longer time spent at the table will have a positive effect on customer satisfaction. The
sample population will be 150 customers and the sampling frame will be the customers seated at
a server’s section during one week of work. Some materials needed for this experiment are a
timer, a coin to flip for random assignment of the server’s posture, and a survey for customers to
fill out after their meal. The server will flip the coin to determine whether they would stand or
squat while assisting a table. The server will also time the initial visit and record. The data will
consist of squatting with long and short periods and standing with long and short periods. After
the meal, the customers will be given a survey about their satisfaction with the service.
References
Lynn, M., & Mynier, K. (1993). Effect of server posture on restaurant tipping.
Journal of
Applied Social Psychology, 23
(8), 678-685.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
SERVER POSTURE IS IMPORTANT
7
Van Volkinburg, G. A. (1998). Restaurant server posture related to add-on sales.
Journal of
Psychological Inquiry, 3,
11-13.