What Counts when it Comes to Salary? A Qualitative Analysis of the Arguments Dutch Citizens Use when Distributing Salary

Jael Bootsma et al.

Compensation & Benefits Review2026https://doi.org/10.1177/08863687261433134article
ABDC C
Weight
0.50

What the paper says

This study examines to what extent job evaluation systems align with public views on fair pay. Using a Participatory Value Evaluation, over 3,700 Dutch citizens distributed extra salary among various jobs and explained their choices. The arguments were compared to criteria used in job evaluation systems. The dimensions prioritized by participants, such as required education, job complexity, and working conditions, are already well represented in current formal job evaluation systems. However, participants also stressed aspects often absent from such systems, including a job’s societal contribution and labour market scarcity. While job evaluation systems remain broadly consistent with public reasoning, we recommend initiating broader public and institutional discussions on the evolving values that underpin fair compensation.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/08863687261433134

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@article{jael2026,
  title        = {{What Counts when it Comes to Salary? A Qualitative Analysis of the Arguments Dutch Citizens Use when Distributing Salary}},
  author       = {Jael Bootsma et al.},
  journal      = {Compensation & Benefits Review},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/08863687261433134},
}

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What Counts when it Comes to Salary? A Qualitative Analysis of the Arguments Dutch Citizens Use when Distributing Salary

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.