"Can you point to an industry or large segment of jobs where this sort of salary negotiation (such as yours) takes place in a transparent system. Alternatively, can you point to any study/research that backs up your claim?

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One example is CEOs and top execs. Their salaries are public and have shot through the roof in the last few decades. Pro sports also comes to mind. It's much easier to ask for more when you know how much your peers are making.