How a Master’s in Business Ethics Enriched Me: A Malta Perspective

Imagine this: You’re walking down Republic Street in Valletta, the sun is setting, and you’re deep in thought. Not about the usual – what’s for dinner, or the latest football scores – but about the ethical implications of that new tech startup everyone’s talking about. That’s me, a year ago, after completing my Master’s in Business Ethics.

From Theory to Practice

Before I dive into how this degree changed my life, let’s rewind. I was working in a bustling office in the heart of Malta, crunching numbers, meeting deadlines. But something was missing. I wanted to understand the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ and ‘how’. So, I enrolled in a Master’s in Business Ethics at the University of Malta.

At first, it was a whirlwind of theories, case studies, and philosophical debates. I grappled with utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. I questioned the purpose of business, the role of the corporation in society, and the responsibilities of managers and employees. It was intense, but it was also exhilarating. I was seeing the world through a new lens.

Ethics in Action

But theory is one thing. Applying it to real-life situations is another. That’s where my internship at a local tech company came in. I was tasked with drafting an ethics policy. Suddenly, I was translating what I’d learned into practical guidelines. I was asking questions like: How do we ensure data privacy? How do we foster a culture of integrity? How do we balance profit with social responsibility?

It wasn’t always easy. There were times when I felt like a lone voice in the wilderness, advocating for principles that seemed inconvenient or costly. But there were also moments of triumph. Like when my policy was approved, or when I saw my colleagues engaging in ethical debates with a newfound passion.

Ethics in Malta

Malta, with its unique blend of tradition and innovation, is a fascinating place to explore business ethics. We’re a small island, but we’re big on finance, tech, and tourism. We’re also a Mediterranean society with strong family values and a deep sense of community. These factors shape our ethical scene in intriguing ways.

Take the recent debate around cryptocurrency regulation, for instance. It’s a complex issue that touches on everything from financial stability to consumer protection to environmental concerns. It’s a perfect example of the kind of ethical dilemmas businesses – and countries – face today.

Malta’s also home to some inspiring ethical initiatives. The Malta Business Bureau’s ‘Ethics at Work’ project, for example, promotes ethical behaviour in the workplace. And the University of Malta’s Institute for Ethical Leadership is doing fantastic work in this field.

But we’ve still got a long way to go. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Malta hub, corruption and lack of ethical leadership are among our biggest challenges. That’s why it’s so important to keep the conversation going, to keep pushing for higher ethical standards.

My Journey Continues

My Master’s degree was just the beginning. It opened my eyes to a world of possibilities, a world where business can be a force for good. It’s a world I want to help create, here in Malta and beyond.

So, if you’re thinking about studying Business Ethics, do it. If you’re thinking about applying ethical principles in your workplace, do it. If you’re thinking about joining the conversation, do it. Because ethics isn’t just about rules and regulations. It’s about creating a better, more just, more sustainable world. And that’s something we can all be a part of.

As the sun sets over Valletta, I’m no longer just a passerby. I’m an active participant, an advocate, a change-maker. And I’m ready to make a difference, one ethical decision at a time.