From Strait Street to the Boardroom: My Journey in Business Ethics
From Strait Street to the Boardroom: My Journey in Business Ethics
Imagine this: You’re walking down Strait Street, Valletta’s once notorious ‘Street of Sin’, now a bustling hub of culture and commerce. You pass by the historic Maestro’s Club, where once upon a time, the city’s elite would gather to discuss business over a game of cards. Now, I find myself in a similar position, but instead of a game of poker, I’m discussing the ethical implications of business decisions over a coffee at Café Jubilee.
How did I get here? It all started when I decided to pursue a Master’s in Business Ethics at the University of Malta. I was working in the corporate world, but I felt something was missing. I wanted to understand the ‘why’ behind the decisions we make, not just the ‘what’ and ‘how’.
Unravelling the Complex Web of Ethics
My journey began with the basics. I learned about utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. I grappled with philosophical questions like ‘What is the right thing to do?’ and ‘How can we make the world a better place?’ But it wasn’t just about theory. We were encouraged to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, to think critically and independently.
One of our first case studies was the Enron scandal. We analysed the ethical failures that led to the company’s collapse, and discussed how things could have been done differently. It was an eye-opener, showing me that ethics isn’t just about personal integrity, but also about creating a culture of integrity within organisations.
Bringing Ethics to the Table
As part of our course, we had to organise an ethics workshop for local businesses. I chose to focus on the growing gig economy in Malta. I invited representatives from companies like Bolton Man and Deliveroo to discuss the ethical implications of their business models.
The workshop was a revelation. We discussed issues like worker rights, data privacy, and the environmental impact of delivery services. It was clear that these companies were grappling with complex ethical dilemmas, and they welcomed the opportunity to discuss them openly.
Putting Theory into Practice
My master’s thesis was on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the finance sector. I interviewed professionals at local banks like Bank of Valletta and HSBC. I found that while they were excited about the potential of AI, they were also aware of the ethical pitfalls, like algorithmic bias and data security.
One interviewee, a senior risk manager at HSBC, told me, “We’re not just dealing with numbers anymore. We’re dealing with people’s lives. We have a responsibility to ensure that our decisions are fair, transparent, and accountable.” That quote has stuck with me. It’s a powerful reminder of why I chose to study business ethics in the first place.
Today, I find myself in that café on Strait Street, not just discussing business, but shaping it. I’m working with local companies to integrate ethics into their decision-making processes. I’m helping to create a more responsible, sustainable, and human-centred business environment in Malta.
So, if you’re walking down Strait Street and you see a group of people deep in conversation, discussing the ethical implications of blockchain or the responsible use of AI, don’t be surprised. It’s just another day in the life of a business ethics graduate in Malta.
