Malta’s Master’s in Business Ethics: A Personal Journey

Picture this: I’m standing at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun beating down, tourists and locals alike rushing past. I’m not just another passerby, though. I’m a journalist, an observer, but today, I’m also a student. I’m here to meet my mentor, Dr. Joseph Borg, a renowned ethicist, to discuss my Master’s thesis on ‘Ethical Decision-Making in Malta’s Growing Tech Industry’. This isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a real-world exploration of how ethics can shape our local business scene.

My Master’s in Business Ethics at the University of Malta wasn’t just about reading case studies and debating philosophical theories. It was about applying ethics to real-world situations, right here in Malta. We discussed the ethical implications of the Three Cities’ regeneration project, the environmental impact of Gozo’s growing tourism, and the data privacy concerns surrounding Malta’s fintech boom.

We didn’t just stop at discussions. We visited local businesses, from tech startups in Msida to traditional family-owned shops in Rabat. We saw firsthand how ethical decisions affect not just a company’s reputation, but also its bottom line and the community it operates in.

One of our most compelling case studies was that of Greenfields, a local agribusiness that decided to go organic despite the initial financial hit. Their ethical decision to prioritize environmental sustainability over immediate profits not only earned them respect in the community but also opened up new markets, both locally and internationally.

Another story was that of TechMalta, a tech company that chose to prioritize employee well-being over short-term profits. They implemented flexible work hours, mental health support, and a generous parental leave policy. The result? A happier, more productive workforce that attracted top talent and boosted the company’s reputation.

My Master’s journey didn’t just broaden my perspective; it changed it. I’m no longer just a journalist observing the world around me. I’m an advocate for ethical business practices, a voice calling out unethical behavior, and a storyteller sharing tales of ethical triumphs.

I’ve seen firsthand how ethics can drive business success and community growth. I’ve seen how it can transform not just companies, but entire industries and communities. And I’ve seen how it can start right here, in Malta, with each one of us making ethical decisions, big or small.

So, the next time you’re at Republic Street, look around. See the potential for ethical change. Because it’s not just about the big decisions made in boardrooms or parliament. It’s about the choices we make every day, as consumers, as employees, as citizens. And it starts with each one of us.