Kiss cam incident

The recent kiss cam incident at a Coldplay concert featuring a CEO and his company’s Head of HR, prima facie, can be condemned on the basis of violation of official ethics and official decorum, even if it happened outside the workplace, and beyond the work hours.

The damage to their organization’s overall image can not be doubted. But, the fact remains that such kind of 'personal equations' in an organization, often go beyond from being 'just professional', even though the interests of the organization may not be compromised, by the individuals concerned.

Some such 'equations' ultimately evolve to matrimonial alliances, with due blessings of the higher-ups, and are not uncommon in many organizations, but in fact are welcomed by the authorities. Yes, subject to the condition that official decorum and professionalism cannot be compromised.

The problem arises when, certain 'over enthusiastic and unsuspecting' employees display their affections in public, and and caught by preying lenses, which further make their way in social media in no time.

Hence, it is the responsibility of not only the HR, but each supervisor and other higher ups, to constantly reinforce the importance of ensuring the right conduct, and knowing the "red lines" which just can't be compromised. Be it in official get-togethers or elsewhere in public events, in the overall interests of not only their respective perception management, but also to ensure the overall image of their organization is not tarnished.

For all we know, this CEO and his HR Head were exceptionally competent, but then a moment's stupidity cost them so heavily, for which they might have to really regret later.