Mary W. Gray

You have been diligent and productive for your many years on the job. Finally, your salary seems to be like that of similarly qualified male colleagues and you are looking forward to the forthcoming merit increase just announced. But soon, you find out you suddenly do not appear very meritorious. Inquiry reveals the only merit increases this year were “retention raises” based on external offers. Not only was this criterion unannounced, it seems unfair.

Like other factors contributing to your pay—for example, student evaluations of teaching if you are in academe—this likely has a disparate impact on women or other underrepresented groups who might be thought to have ties to a community, making it difficult to contemplate leaving. Sure, not all job searches may be serious, but how ethical is it to solicit offers if you are not really committed to accepting an attractive proposal? Aside from the ethics, how legal is this compensation policy?

Some content is only viewable by ASA Members. Please login or become an ASA member to gain access.