My first professional experience was working at a company where this seemed like the norm. They had no well-defined plan for advancement or raises, and I was constantly given the run-around when I would bring up the topic in conversations with my manager or HR.
Those which consistently threatened to quit renegotiated by throwing other employees under the bus, which led to a very tense work environment.
I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that retaining employees by expecting them to renogiate for themselves is wrong headed, but I'm not sure that "never make counter-offers" is a great philosophy. You paint yourself into a corner by having this doctrine which doesn't allow you to have your whole arsenal available when the moment arises in which you might want to make a counter-offer to retain an employee.
Those which consistently threatened to quit renegotiated by throwing other employees under the bus, which led to a very tense work environment.
I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that retaining employees by expecting them to renogiate for themselves is wrong headed, but I'm not sure that "never make counter-offers" is a great philosophy. You paint yourself into a corner by having this doctrine which doesn't allow you to have your whole arsenal available when the moment arises in which you might want to make a counter-offer to retain an employee.