Stack ranking, indeed, has found its way into various corporate cultures, often masked by different terminologies or slightly altered methodologies. However, the underlying principle remains the same: systematically categorizing employees and often letting go of those deemed least productive. This approach can undoubtedly drive a certain type of competitiveness and efficiency, but it often comes at the cost of employee morale and collaborative spirit.

The "hire to fire" tactic, as you mentioned, is particularly alarming. It's not just a byproduct of stack ranking; it represents a more calculated and, arguably, unethical approach to workforce management. This method, where managers bring in employees with the premeditated intention of letting them go to fulfill quota requirements, undermines the fundamental principles of trust and integrity in the workplace. It not only jeopardizes the morale of the teams but also raises serious ethical questions about the management practices of the organizations that allow such strategies to flourish.

In an era where corporate responsibility and ethical practices are increasingly under the microscope, such tactics can have far-reaching negative implications, not just for employee wellbeing but also for the reputation and long-term success of the company. It highlights the need for more transparent, fair, and humane approaches to employee performance evaluation and management.