Ken, tisk tisk at you as I know you are a savvy businessman.....
Haven't you ever heard the saying "companies want to pay employees just enough so they don't leave"? (I'm not saying I advocate this... I'm just saying that it exists).
Here's a situation, I have a salesperson who is now a manager. He made 130K last year with most of his money coming from his commissions off of his book of business and about 10% came from being a new manager and getting "over-ride" on what his people produced. NOW, we did give him a bump for becoming a manager (15K increase). BUT, if he asked for another increase this year because he has taken on more salespeople and begun developing business in a small capacity..... I'd be forced tell him to go pound salt. He makes a good wage (and yes, he HAS EARNED EVERY PENNY). He is technically overpaid if you look at what your average business developer makes (80K-90K) or even your average recruiting sales manager (60K-80K). And, he has earned every penny (again, I don't have any issues when a salesperson kills it, we don't cap commissions here). But, in the end, I can't pay him (on base salary) more than he's worth..... Because at that point it's literally taking money out of the CEO's pocket (my boss) and putting it into that manager's pocket..... Otherwise I should replace him with a more reasonably priced employee (if he were to begin to demand things).
Believe me, I understand how some of you may think that is "cut-throat"... BUT, it's my job to ensure the business remains profitable to a reasonable level. Ever hear the term "don't take it personally, it's just business"? Ask the dude with all the Lambo's^^^....Business decisions are called "business decisions" because it's what is in the best interest of the longevity of the business.
All companies are different in terms of how they value employees. Some want to create a trusting environment that promotes self-sufficient & self-accountable modes of conduct that promote growth. Other companies use scare/fear tactics to motivate employees to not "do poorly".
I bet you can guess which companies focus on "praise for good performance" VS. "criticism for poor performance". That my friend is called "culture".
And, a culture of a business dictates things like "Do I get paid more for a title change.... or do I have to earn my extra money" because you gave me "the shot" to earn more money.