I've always thought "poaching" referred to actions of the potential employer. It doesn't really say anything to me about the employee. That aside, the connotation depends on whether your the poacher or the one being preyed upon.
A poacher (in the employer sense) wouldn't really consider their actions evil - just necessary to get the best employees.
The companies being preyed upon would obviously view the poacher as, at best, a bounder and a cad of the lowest kind.
I can understand moderating terminology when we're referring to humans (or not, wild game poachers are evil people) but this term is being used in reference to corporations, which need not be spared harsh terminology to preserve a sense of well-being.
Despite the best efforts of lawyers everywhere, I believe that a corporation, while composed of people, is just a thing, akin to a table or a vase, though maybe not as corporeal.
A poacher (in the employer sense) wouldn't really consider their actions evil - just necessary to get the best employees.
The companies being preyed upon would obviously view the poacher as, at best, a bounder and a cad of the lowest kind.
I can understand moderating terminology when we're referring to humans (or not, wild game poachers are evil people) but this term is being used in reference to corporations, which need not be spared harsh terminology to preserve a sense of well-being.
Despite the best efforts of lawyers everywhere, I believe that a corporation, while composed of people, is just a thing, akin to a table or a vase, though maybe not as corporeal.