What is Gratification? Definition, Types, Limitations, and Examples

Gratification can be said as a gift that can be in the form of goods or money, on top of the payment that must be paid for a service, such as for a waiter.

This gratuity can also be referred to as a tip or something that is given without a claim or request. It depends on the country where it applies, but what is certain is that gratuity can be considered as a bribe.

In Indonesia itself as one of the characteristics of developing countries, there are certain types of gifts that are considered as gratuities although some are required to be reported to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

There are also types of gratuities that are not required to be reported, one of which is gifts related to disasters or disasters with a maximum value of Rp. 1,000,000.

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So that there are various examples of gratification, for example the giving of fees or fees for pilgrimage from partners to officials.

Gratification

Gratification (also known as tip) can be said to be an amount of money that is usually given by clients or customers to certain service sector workers for the services they have performed, in addition to the basic price of the service.

It may or may not be customary to tip servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers (including online transportation), hairdressers and so on, but this depends on the country or location.

Tips and amounts are a cause for concern for social customs and social etiquette, which can vary from country to country according to regulations. In some places, tipping is not expected and can be discouraged or seen as insulting.

Definition of Gratification

Gratification is the giving of goods to other people based on the work done so that the most often gratuities are given to officers by workers in the service industry, such as waiters and bartenders.

In addition and problematic, gratuity is given for the services expected and services that have been provided. For example, free coffee for law enforcement officers often comes with strings attached, or at the very least, acts as an insurance policy for future assistance if needed.

A cynic would argue that offering free coffee is not an altruistic gesture but an insurance policy for future safety. Law enforcement officers who receive free coffee from restaurateurs will likely be expected to provide extra service to restaurants when necessary.

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Definition of Gratification According to Experts

The definition of gratification according to experts, among others;

1. 1945 Constitution, Article 12B Paragraph 1 , The definition of gratification is a gift in a broad sense, which includes giving money, goods, discounts, commissions, interest-free loans, travel tickets, lodging facilities, tours, free medical treatment, and other facilities.
2. KBBI , The definition of gratuity is an effort to give gifts in the form of money that is carried out by someone other than the salary that government employees get.
3. R. Wiyono (2008) , Gratification is a prohibition on giving money either tangible or intangible which can be in the form of facilities, tickets, or aspects of granting IPR (Intellectual Property Rights).

History of Naming Gratification

Meanwhile, in terms of etymology, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word ” tip ” in gratuity comes from a slang term and the etymology is not clear.

According to the Online Etymological Dictionary, the meaning of ” give a small present of money ” dates back to around 1600, and the meaning of ” give a gratuity to ” is first attested in 1706.

Meanwhile, in its history the practice of tipping began in Tudor England. “In the 17th century, it was expected that guests staying overnight in private homes would give a certain amount of money, known as vails, to the servants of the house. Soon after, customers started tipping in London coffee shops and other commercial establishments.”

The synonymous etymology of tipping, “gratification”, dates back to the 1520s, from “ graciousness “, from the French  gratuité  (14th century) or directly from the Medieval Latin  gratuitas  meaning “ free gift ”.

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Purpose of Granting Gratuities

There are at least 4 main purposes for giving gratuities to law enforcement officials, namely:

1. Because of the theory of reciprocity, where people feel they owe something to the giver. In a law enforcement context, this will be collected after the prize (free coffee) is awarded.
2. To ensure future cooperation, where the gift giver may desire the services of a future attendant. This can include getting biased support from officials despite the facts surrounding an issue.
3. Utilize the presence of police officers, attracted by free coffee, as an advertisement to potential customers that the environment is safe.
4. Leverage the presence of police officers, who are attracted to free coffee, as a way of discouraging potentially problematic customers from patronizing the restaurant.

Types and Limits of Gratification

In accordance with the provisions of Law Number. 31 of 1999 which was amended by Law Number. 20 of 2001 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes (Tipikor), gratuities given to civil servants or even state administrators are considered bribes, if related to their position and contrary to their duties and obligations.

Recipients of gratuities are threatened with 4-20 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 200 million to Rp. 1 billion. Based on the provisions, the types of gratuities that must be reported to the KPK include the following:

1. The value is Rp. 10,000,000 or more, proof that the gratification is not a bribe is carried out by the recipient of the gratification.
2. The value is less than Rp. 10,000,000, proof that the gratuity includes bribes was carried out by the public prosecutor.

While the types of gratuity that are not required to be reported to the KPK based on the KPK Circular Letter B-1341 of 2017 concerning Guidelines and Limits of Gratification, include the following:

1. Giving gratuities is caused by a family relationship, as long as there is no conflict of interest.
2. Acceptance in holding weddings, births, aqiqah, baptisms, circumcisions, teeth cutting, or other traditional/religious ceremonies with a maximum value of Rp. 1,000,000.
3. Gifts related to calamities or disasters with a maximum value of Rp. 1,000,000.
4. Gifts from fellow employees at farewell, retirement, promotions, and birthdays in a form other than money, a maximum of Rp. 300,000 with a total gift of Rp. 1,000,000 within 1 year from the same giver.
5. Gifts from co-workers in any form other than money with the largest value of Rp. 200,000 with a total gift of Rp. 1,000,000 within 1 year from the same giver.
6. Giving dishes or servings that apply in general.
7. Gifts related to academic or non-academic achievements followed by their own expenses, for example competitions or competitions, championships that are not related to work.
8. Receipt of profit or interest from placement of funds, investment or private share ownership which is generally applicable.
9. Acceptance of benefits for all cooperative participants or employee organizations based on membership that applies in general.
10. Seminar kits in the form of a set of modules as well as stationery and certificates obtained from official official activities or activities such as seminars, workshops, meetings, training, conferences, or other similar activities that are generally applicable.
11. Acceptance of prizes, scholarships or allowances either in the form of money or goods that are related to increased work performance provided by the Government or other parties in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
12. Acceptance obtained from compensation for a profession outside of official service, which is not related to the duties and functions of officials or employees, does not have a conflict of interest, and also does not violate the rules or code of ethics.

Example of Gratification

Following are some examples of gifts that can be categorized as forms of gratification, including:

1. Funding working visits of the legislature, because this can affect legislation and its implementation by the executive.
2. Provide an additional fee ( fee ) of 10-20 percent of the project value.
3. Retribution money is intended to be able to enter the port without a ticket which is carried out by the Port Agency, the Transportation Service, the Regional Revenue Service.
4. The latest smartphone parcels from entrepreneurs to officials are carried out to facilitate certain goals related to the projects being carried out.
5. Tour trips intended for regents towards the end of office.
6. “Accelerated” KTP/SIM/Passport processing with additional money.
7. Providing sponsorship of international conference activities without mentioning transparent travel costs and their uses, there is double acceptance, with unreasonable amounts.

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So, that’s all the articles we can present to all readers regarding the  meaning of gratification  according to experts, purpose, types, limits, and examples that are easy to find in everyday life. Hopefully it will provide a reference for all people.