The idea is that transparency would mean that companies have to keep things more equitable and/or be able to clearly articulate why some people make more than o

The idea is that transparency would mean that companies have to keep things more equitable and/or be able to clearly articulate why some people make more than others. That seems like less social anxiety to me. But I don't see any reason why it couldn't be voluntary and achieve more or less the same end. If employers know that it could be made public, they'll have to behave as if it will be made public.