You should read up on Semco, a Brazilian company run by Ricardo Semler. Quote from their website: The Semco Group seeks to involve people in discussions regard

You should read up on Semco, a Brazilian company run by Ricardo Semler. Quote from their website: The Semco Group seeks to involve people in discussions regarding what is a fair salary for each employee. Of course, there are times when people think their salaries should be higher and the company believes it cannot pay more. What is important is to always provide an opportunity for discussions regarding this type of issue. http://semco.locaweb.com.br/en/content.asp?content=3&contentID=567 http://semco.locaweb.com.br/en/content.asp?content=3&con... Also try one of Semler's books, like Seven Day Weekend, excerpted here: http://www.inc.com/articles/2004/03/7dayweekend.html http://www.inc.com/articles/2004/03/7dayweekend.html His methods might never fly in America, but it's useful to know that open salaries are within the realm of possibility.