In Australia the employees at the restraunt get paid. The customers pay money to the restaurant for the goods and service of food and the presentation thereof in accordance to laws of supply and demand. I am not sure to what extent the supply and demand governs how much the wait staff get paid—it would bottom out at the minimum wage of $15/hour.
Sometimes we tip as well, but this isn’t a social norm or an ethical obligation of fulfilling an implied contract. It is an act of social finesse. The delicate dance of giving and receiving favours to fulfil ephemeral goals. This is approximately the same question as “when (if ever) and why should rationalists give higher than average tips?” It is certainly a recommended social strategy at times.
But while I’m visiting in America I tip at restaurants according to whatever the norm is. A good rule of thumb is that if you are in an environment where you do not have a sophisticated understanding of how the systems work you follow the rules fully. It is only when you are familiar with the domain or culture that you can safely break rules and reliably predict any negative consequences.
In Australia the employees at the restraunt get paid. The customers pay money to the restaurant for the goods and service of food and the presentation thereof in accordance to laws of supply and demand. I am not sure to what extent the supply and demand governs how much the wait staff get paid—it would bottom out at the minimum wage of $15/hour.
Sometimes we tip as well, but this isn’t a social norm or an ethical obligation of fulfilling an implied contract. It is an act of social finesse. The delicate dance of giving and receiving favours to fulfil ephemeral goals. This is approximately the same question as “when (if ever) and why should rationalists give higher than average tips?” It is certainly a recommended social strategy at times.
But while I’m visiting in America I tip at restaurants according to whatever the norm is. A good rule of thumb is that if you are in an environment where you do not have a sophisticated understanding of how the systems work you follow the rules fully. It is only when you are familiar with the domain or culture that you can safely break rules and reliably predict any negative consequences.