But the problem is that discrimination is a function of perception, and that is 9/10ths of reality.

What the company was trying to do was correct a perceived culture wrong that some people were compensated less because their job was perceived as less important.

The reality is that those "less important" jobs frequently actually keep businesses running smoothly. Only a smoothly running business can afford to invest in strategy, thus smooth operation should be as important as strategy.

That (^) right there is another "perception" and is increasingly the one reasonable people are adopting EXACTLY because of what Seth notes:

"It's possible to create dignity and be successful at the same time."