Karajan did nothing worthy of respect, nor did he do anything to curry favor of the Nazis. He was young and opportunistic. "I only wanted to grasp every chance to conduct…"
No matter what word or phrase you use to describe this action, buttering others up will probably continue as long as people need the support or help of others.
There beside him group of followers, walking the streets in the vicinity, like Khan among high ranking in the curry, accompanied by the Ministry to inspect their own territory.