Corporate Ethics: Infosys shows the way

Many would have missed the newsitem in several newspapers last week about Infosys fining its Executive Directors for violating company's code of conduct. He was fined for failing to notify the company in time that he sold 10,000 company shares the week before. Infosys' insider trading rules state that directors and officers may buy or sell company shares only after prior notification to the company. Further, notification must also be given within one working day following the execution of such transactions.

Looking at all the news reports it is clear that the news is based on Infosys's release where it is making a clear acknowledgment of the lapse, identifies the senior director by name, and specifies the 'misconduct'. Great example of conformance to good corporate conduct, and proactive acknowledgment.

The penalty of Rs.5 lakh imposed on the director, again, shows the corporate vision...the penalty does not go to the corporate coffers but to a charity.

In today's world of cut-throat competition and race to save the corporate face and image from public glare, here is a company which continues to, and infact, enhances its corporate image in the public eye, by sharing an otherwise damaging news. Kudos to Infosys management for following the fundamentals of public relations...there is no substitute for truth....and it pays to be truthful and honest.

Why Public Relations?

Last week a harried colleague from the industry called up to ask that his management is asking him to explain as to why their organisation needs public relations? This is the question perhaps still taking the round of corporate circles primarily because most of the work relates to intangibles, and also because, majority of our PR practitioners have not started using the measuring techniques of their PR efforts.
Another significant aspect of PR is its role as a strategic management function. PR has, unfortunately, remained limited to media coverage and the amount of photographs or clips one can generate. Since PR is not a substitute for truth or the good work, the PR practitioner must set the agenda for the corporates to prepare itself to address larger issues since existence of every organisation impacts a large number of stakeholders. Therefore the moment we profile our stakeholders and address the issues that concern them directly or indirectly, there is whole lot of PR deliverables needed to generate goodwill and better understanding about the organisation through appropriate communication, which, at times, goes beyond mere media relations.
The challenge for the PR practitioners today is to understand the professional aspect of their calling, so that no one asks them 'Why PR?'

Happy New Year

This new year offers newer challenges to the Public Relations community worldwide...not only professionally but more importantly in finding solutions to the global problems that face our people, our only home-Earth. Remember collectively we can bring about the positive change around the world through effective communication. Let us put our heads together for leaving this earth for the posterity...for our children...a better place to live in!

Bloggers Code of Ethics

The Ogilvy PR's team has designed code of ethics for the bloggers. A must read. Click here.

Conference Registration

Further to my earlier communication, the brochure and registration form can be downloaded from either the website of Chennai Chapter or Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI, or you can also get in touch with the respective chairman of the local chapter of PRSI for registering yourself for the Conference.

All India PR Conference

The next All India PR Conference is being held in Chennai on 13-15 December 2007 at Hotel Green Park, Chennai.
The theme of this conference is, Public Relations & Infrastructure Development in India.
The registration details are as follows :
PRSI Members : Rs. 4,000/- per delegate (for registrations before 15 November '07)
: Rs. 4,500/- per delegate (after 16 November '07)
Non-Members : Rs. 5000/- per delegate (for registrations before 15 November '07)
: Rs. 5,500/- per delegate (after 16 November '07)
Participant's spouse : Rs. 2,000/- per delegate
Full-time Students : Rs. 2,000/- per delegate
Foreign delegates : US$ 250 per delegate
* 10% concession on total delegate fee for 3 or more delegates from the same organisation.
** Rupees 1000/- each for sight seeing on 16th December 2007 (Optional)

You can download the Conference Brochure and Registration Form from PRSI Chennai Chapter's website.