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On the other hand, I actually always see folks claim the downsides are greater than the upsides, so it's strange you feel the opposite. Honestly, I'd rather we

by diob 5y ago

On the other hand, I actually always see folks claim the downsides are greater than the upsides, so it's strange you feel the opposite. Honestly, I'd rather we try it and see what happens. In the case of the UK public sector anecdote you've shared, I'm guessing it hasn't actually depressed salaries at all. It's likely lifted the bottom, and perhaps squeezed some high positioned "high ceiling" folks down. But I'd need to see evidence of an actual drop compared to the "hidden" times. Otherwise it's just speculation. Also, while you say the maximum is always significantly lower than the equivalent job in the private sector, I would then ask "Is the median higher than the equivalent job in the private sector?" because if so, that's a win. It's not much good to folks if a single individual can make boatloads of cash.

hunglee2 5y ago
Thanks for your reply. I must say, I did not say 'not try it' - in fact, I'm pretty much pro salary transparency. The point I am making is that there 'are downsides to ostensibly good ideas', which are worth pointing out and discussing. This bill will likely pass regardless of any chat we have here, so this is all in the spirit of exploring the topic. That candidate salary expectations will be elevated by transparent pricing is valid speculation given that it comports with what we know about pricing psychology - we see two numbers and typically go for something in between and to the right. It does not take a huge leap of empathy to understand that a candidate who knew the top salary and ended up being offered half that would be more disappointed than if that candidate never knew what the numbers were until the offer was made. Another reason why salary suppression will occur is simply a lack of agility compared to employers who don't have to declare. Once you publicly state a salary band, you probably wouldn't be able to go above the maximum or below the minimum. This constraint won't apply to employers who don't need to declare and hence they will inflate overall market rate, leaving the public salary employers behind. I think this is basically what is going to happen. Good things will too - but I trust these have already been made in the bill about to be passed
_3u10 5y ago
Public sector salaries are about the bennies / low pressure work environment, like startups are about the equity. No one is working there for the wages.

by diob 5y ago

hunglee2 5y ago

Thanks for your reply. I must say, I did not say 'not try it' - in fact, I'm pretty much pro salary transparency. The point I am making is that there 'are downsides to ostensibly good ideas', which are worth pointing out and discussing. This bill will likely pass regardless of any chat we have here, so this is all in the spirit of exploring the topic. That candidate salary expectations will be elevated by transparent pricing is valid speculation given that it comports with what we know about pricing psychology - we see two numbers and typically go for something in between and to the right. It does not take a huge leap of empathy to understand that a candidate who knew the top salary and ended up being offered half that would be more disappointed than if that candidate never knew what the numbers were until the offer was made. Another reason why salary suppression will occur is simply a lack of agility compared to employers who don't have to declare. Once you publicly state a salary band, you probably wouldn't be able to go above the maximum or below the minimum. This constraint won't apply to employers who don't need to declare and hence they will inflate overall market rate, leaving the public salary employers behind. I think this is basically what is going to happen. Good things will too - but I trust these have already been made in the bill about to be passed

_3u10 5y ago

Public sector salaries are about the bennies / low pressure work environment, like startups are about the equity. No one is working there for the wages.