The effects of background music on tipping behavior in a restaurant: A field study

Abstract

Previous research showed that focused listening to music has powerful effects on social behavior. In contrast, the impact of background music appears to depend on moderating factors. The present field study examined the effects of background music on tipping behavior in a restaurant and the possible moderating influence of age of paying guest. Participants were exposed to uplifting, melancholic, or baseline music in the background. Overall, tipping behavior did not differ across quasi-experimental conditions. However, music exposure did interact with age of paying guest. Whereas younger guests’ tipping behavior was not affected by background music, older guests were more generous when exposed to uplifting and melancholic music compared to baseline music. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.