I recently discovered (completely by accident) one of the new hires who reports to me is getting compensated more than me. I have much more responsibility than him and I do not understand why he's getting paid more than me. I am his direct supervisor. Is this ever ok? Could I get fired if I bring this to my manager's attention? What should I do?
2007-09-04 13:11:21 · 10 answers · asked by Leftdawg 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
FYI- My manager and I interviewed this person together so I know for a fact that he does not have more education than me.
2007-09-04 13:26:37 · update #1
It sounds like a pretty obvious question. If someone works beneath you then it's probably because they lack the skills and/or qualifications necessary to be in a higher position or one equal to your position.
However, there may be something you don't know. There is a possibility that they may have been offered some kind of an incentive or bonus that makes their pay higher than yours. There's also a chance that your subordinate may only be in that position temporarily to gain the experience or skills necessary to advance to a different spot. He or she may have skills that you don't have but may lack some necessary qualifications so they may have hired that person to be in a position underneath you temporarily.
It's typically bad business to bring up someone else's pay, but if you know of a discrepancy in pay you should say something. I don't know if I would bring up someone else's paycheck, but I would definitely ask the question as to whether or not your pay was commensurate with your experience, knowledge, expertise, and leadership. And, whether or not you could have somehow been overlooked for a promotion or bonus that would cause your pay to be lower than your subordinates. You should be able to state your case without bringing up some one else's pay check. I would only do that as a last resort. And to keep the insinuation that you have something against your subordinate you may want to inform him/her of your concern and the likelihood that you may be bringing up his/her personal info. Your boss can't discuss your subordinates pay with you, but with your subordinate there it may be different.
Simple answer--your boss likes your subordinate better:-)
2007-09-04 13:21:01 · answer #1 · answered by dapoetic1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give this one some thought, honest thought.
First, you're looking at the pay rate, but is there more to your package than a salary? A car, a bonus, options?
Second, remember that if the company has to cut back, he's first to go.
Third, perhaps he's overqualified for the position, and is being groomed to become your boss. Perhaps he has more degrees than a thermometer, and they will make him mid to upper management after he's had a chance to get his hands dirty. That may irritate you, or it you might see it as a wise corporate practice.
Fourth, maybe it really is a sign of the company's loyalty to you, and it's time to shop yourself around.
One thing is certain, no matter what the answers to any of these questions might be. Tipping your hand to anyone inside the company is a foolish thing to do.
Analyze the situation thoroughly and objectively, and then decide.
2007-09-04 13:20:02 · answer #2 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is legal unless you have a collective bargaining agreement (like a union) that defines your pay scale. Your subordinate may have more education, other experience, etc. Or, he may simply have told the person doing the hiring "I want $X" when you only said "I want $X-2" when you were hired.
If you want to ask for a raise, bring up your own merits and responsibility - not those of your co-worker. You'll only look like a whiner and a snoop if you bring up the discrepancy.
2007-09-04 13:19:14 · answer #3 · answered by browneyedgirl623 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It happens, I have paid people more that I make as a manager of engineers.
It would disturb me if the person did not have qualifications that justify the pay rate. I would also object to not knowing about the offer letter.
2007-09-04 13:26:31 · answer #4 · answered by Ron H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not only is it O.K., it is common. I'm paid more than my office manager. So are several other people in my office. We also bring in far more money to the company than she does (I'll bring in over $400,000.00 to the company this year; she'll bring in about $20,000.00). It is common to adjust salaries for revenues received, and even revenues anticipated. That's business.
Ultimately, however, compensation depends upon performance.
2007-09-04 15:21:25 · answer #5 · answered by mcmufin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It certainly is the technical field. Technicians or programmers often lack managerial talent or ambition but have vital knowledge and skills.
2007-09-04 13:17:27 · answer #6 · answered by bravozulu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, some men think that nobody would believe them if they reported a female supervisor. Others take it in their stride and play along.
2016-04-03 03:54:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Favoritism and if you signed an At-Will employment contract you can be terminated with no explanation needed.
2007-09-04 13:14:52 · answer #8 · answered by MIE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is never ok
go see your manager and bring it up
2007-09-04 13:19:23 · answer #9 · answered by Nora 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried asking for a raise?
2007-09-04 13:17:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋