[torginus]

I'm not advocating for this style of management thinking - in fact I despise it. But this is how many(most?) managers think, especially at big companies where productivity is not measured, or worse, measured poorly. In these circumstances, it's very very hard to get them to offer you a raise, and even if they do, it would be to prevent potential bad behavior (you leaving), than rewarding your good work and expertise. In fact, if you perform head and shoulders above your peers, the cause of the raise will still be the first reason - you'll get pissed off that your work isn't recognized, which will prompt you to consider leaving, which the management will try to prevent.

That's why the people getting raises won't be the ones who do the best work, but the ones, who complain about their salaries the loudest, or go to interviews and get counteroffers.

Remember - you are probably getting paid as little as the company can get away with paying you.