A negative gap score is indicative that the perception scores are lower
than the expectation scores and, therefore, the service does not meet and exceed a customer’s
expectations. SERVQUAL is based on five dimensions of service quality, namely, reliability
(ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately), responsiveness (willingness to
help customers and prompt service), assurance (knowledge and courtesy of employees and their
ability to gain trust and confidence), empathy (providing individualized attention to the customers)
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and tangibles (physical facilities, equipment and personnel appearance), and is operationalised in
the form of two 22-item sections to measure customer expectations and perceptions