It depends on how you define winner. Does it really matter how much someone else earns as long as you're happy with your pay? I have taken a lower paying job

It depends on how you define winner. Does it really matter how much someone else earns as long as you're happy with your pay? I have taken a lower paying job because of my preference for that job and workplace. Money is not my principal driver (nor is it most people's). I also agree that an open pay system could encourage super stars to leave. I once hired a woman who earned almost 50% more than her peers because she was amazing (it's the one time I recall paying a premium for anyone). If her peers knew, it would have been a shit storm, especially her male boss (who earned well less than she did). We are too obsessed about comparing ourselves to others. I would most probably pick a culture where there wasn't transparency because I don't think someone else's income is anyone else's business and the emphasis on money is unhealthy.