They pay the engineers more, perhaps, because it's the work product those engineers create that generates revenue for the company. The receptionist, as useful

They pay the engineers more, perhaps, because it's the work product those engineers create that generates revenue for the company. The receptionist, as useful as the position may be, is not likely a revenue-generating source for the company. There's no 'cultural belief' necessary to understand that. As for 'markets', they're as rigged as the participants allow. You, as buyers, need to turn a blind eye toward the actions necessary 'behind the scenes' in order for the companies to get away with underpaying their personnel. As long as the buying audience actively chooses 'not to care' the companies will do whatever is necessary to avoid profits being spent on employee wages.