Editorial – Discord | L’Economiste
Husbands who lied to their wives about their salaries were caught red-handed following the leak of CNSS declarations by hackers. Beyond the domestic disputes, the leak has sparked controversy and frustration within companies. For employers, salaries are considered “confidential” and a private matter. What a myth! These lists go through accountants, tax officials, and social security agents – none of whom are known for their discretion. In a society driven by voyeurism, salaries are an open secret.
For employees, it’s a highly sensitive issue. Salary defines one’s standard of living – and also a worker’s ego, which inevitably compares itself to that of a colleague. In light of the current controversy, it’s important to remind everyone whose livelihood depends on the private sector about a few fundamental principles. Apart from the minimum wage (SMIG), salaries are governed by market dynamics. High salaries, the ones that draw attention, are not capped. They are the carrot offered to executives so they generate returns for shareholders – who, in turn, profit, reinvest, create jobs… and increase wages.
Senior talent must be well compensated – especially those lured by opportunities in Europe or the Gulf – if we are to stem the brain drain. Mobility remains a freedom for everyone else, a chance to earn more if they feel misunderstood or treated unfairly. After all, justice is not about equality, but rather injustice… for the most productive. Yet everyone believes they are more competent than their peers.
There is, however, a well-established HR discipline: performance evaluation, which is designed to determine who deserves what. But this practice is often rejected in a country that lacks faith in individual merit. It is also overlooked by business leaders and managers, who tend to reward loyalty over competence. Indeed, in the private sector, they have the right to discretionary power. But in the absence of clear rules, they too contribute to the discord – both in the workplace and in the home.
