Table (2-1) Examples of Service Definitions
Service is a "deed, act or performance". Levitt (1972) wrote : "the concept of service evokes, from the opaque recesses of the mind, time-worn images of personal ministration and attendance, it refers generally to deeds one individual performs gallantry, and selflessness,o r of obedience, subordinations, and subjugation" ( Berry 1980, p. 43). Service is "a social act that takes place in direct contact between the customer and representatives of the service company" ( Norman 1984, p. 18). Service is the " assistance one party provides a second party that is expected as part of a contractual relationship"( Delmar and Sheldon 1988, p. 17). Service is " actions performed within a relationship" (Lindquist and Persson 1992).