i have never understood why people's salary info is so taboo to discuss in this country.

first, it's not like that in other countries and cultures.

second, i cant see how it benefits anyone besides large companies and big time earners.
companies generally want to pay the least they can for labor and don't want employees to know if they have screwed them over in comparison to someone in a similar position. and many higher up people are paid disproportionate wages and it could potentially incite a riot/rebellion if the peons found out the truth.

did i miss something? does anyone think it's a good idea, similar to mandatory tipping? how and when did this confidential practice originate?

 

No, you pretty much understand exactly why.

 

It is commonly reported via surveys in trade journals for certain professions. I've reported mine that way plenty of time.

Man-to-man it is a little gauche. You know, tacky, like comparing dick sizes. But inside a company you're spot on, management has an interest in getting the cheapest possible labor. Something wrong with that?

 

i tell my all my friends how much i make so they dont come to me when they are in debt

 

I was going to make that same reference...

 

lol

 

So dyhappy, what do you do and how much do you make?

 

My salary isn't confidential.

 

My company publishes a report every year that shows a scale w/ our competitors' wages. As long as I'm around (or above) the 50th percentile, I'm satisfied.

 

all my friends share the info and i wouldn't hesitate if it wasn't so stigmatized with little hope of reciprocation.

it's just one of those things we all do without thinking to help the big boys get even higher imo.