While working at luxe catering, there was an event during Chinese New Year where I had to serve a group of a Chinese family. The guest wanted to open a few cans of abalone and asked me for my assistance, which I kindly agreed to. He was delighted with my service and gave me a fifty dollars tip, forcing the money into my chest pocket. In Singapore, it is a tradition to tip during the festive season. But the company has a policy where staff are not allowed to receive any tips from guests. I kindly declined it and gave it back to the guest while explaining the company’s policy.
As I reflect on this incident, there were two scenarios that could have resulted from my action. The stakeholders involved are myself, the guest, the Chinese family, my supervisor and fellow colleagues. The ethical principle at stake is integrity. In the case that I do keep the tip and get caught, I may end up facing disciplinary actions or losing my job. My supervisor would lose trust in me, colleagues would despise me for going against the company’s policy. The guest and his family may be unaware of the consequences and continue tipping other employees in future. This may result in other employees being caught in the same dilemma.
In the case that I kindly reject the tip, though it may seem disrespectful, I will potentially build a good impression instead of getting reprimanded. Both my supervisors and colleagues will build trust in me for doing the right thing. Both the guest and his family will then be aware of the company’s policies and prevent any unintentional tipping.
Looking back, I believe the choice I made was ethical, benefitting the stakeholders involved and setting a good example for all.
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Jansen's Blog 
Greetings Jansen,
Being in the service industry, it is sometimes inevitable when customers choose to show their appreciation through tips. I believe this is just a part of their culture.
However, I am glad you made the right choice to politely reject the tip. The decision you have made will definitely benefit your organisation in the long run. If I were in your position, I believe I would have made a similar choice.
Regards,
Serena
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Hi Jansen,
I totally agree with the decision you have made to reject the tip. It was definitely a hard position to be as you have to consider the other stakeholders involved. Most importantly is doing about what is right and not what is easy. Good job!
Regards,
Shermaine
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Dear Jansen
This is an interesting scenario. You have described it briefly and well. However, one way to enhance your post would be to take into consideration the pros and cons for all stakeholders in a more detailed way. For instance, Serena has highlighted the culture of guests. What if it is rude for the guest not to tip? when you rejected it, it may have hurt him. A cultural take would make the scenario complex. Having said that, you have shared a real situation and that is what happened. Good!
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