"All these guys take refuge in the salary schedule, which points out that the ranges are always the same. And then the HR person is paid to tell you that where you are in the range is dictated by things like years of experience. At big companies, that may be true, but at the startups that define Silicon Valley those ranges don't (yet) exist. At companies like Microsoft, the finger is always pointed at HR, and I bet Nadella doesn't know how that system works and has been told that all raises are given on merit and seniority. When in actuality, how you get a raise is either by changing jobs to another company or having your manager give you a promotion that catapults you into another range. And THAT is where the potential for discrimination lies, IMHO" - Francine Hardaway