My theory is that The Pearl is just another station being observed. I bet there are cameras hidden in there as well. Footage is sent to the actual HQ. The people in The Pearl 'think that their job is most important' and do it to their fullest capabilities. Dharma HQ is sitting somewhere laughing their arses off because all these people take their jobs very seriously.
I hope that came out well. I have it all worked out in my head, I'm just not good at transferring thoughts to words.
