UNDERSTANDING TIPPING PERCEPTIONS IN TURKEY: A USER-GENERATED CONTENT ANALYSIS

Authors : Tuğba Pala Morkoç

Pages : 247-260

Doi:10.14514/beykozad.1662213

View : 27 | Download : 93

Publication Date : 2025-12-17

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Tipping is a practice influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors, and it is perceived and practiced differently across countries. This study aims to explore how tipping is perceived in Turkey by analyzing user-generated content on Eksi Sozluk. The findings show that tipping in Turkey does not function as a strong social norm. Instead, tipping is understood in two opposite ways: (1) A positive attitude, where tipping is seen as an expression of gratitude, a social expectation, or a way to support low-paid workers; and (2) A negative attitude, where tipping is seen as an unnecessary burden, an exploitative tool that benefits employers, or a practice imposed by capitalism. Additionally, contributors mention different motivations for tipping, such as the desire to get better service in future visits, feeling social pressure. Furthermore, the results indicate that tipping in Turkey is still a developing practice and has not yet become a fully accepted social norm. As the first study to examine how tipping is understood from the consumer’s perspective in Turkey, this research is important and provides guidance for shaping tipping policies and practices in the country.
Keywords : hizmet ekonomisi, bahşiş, bahşiş davranışı, Ekşi Sözlük

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