From the Streets of Valletta to the Classroom: My Journey in Business Ethics

I remember standing in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the sun beating down on the worn cobblestones, and wondering, How did we get here? How did business become so… complicated? That was the moment I decided to look the world of business ethics, and it all started with a Master’s degree.

Why Business Ethics? Why Now?

Malta, with its thriving financial sector and booming tech industry, is a microcosm of the global business scene. It’s a place where ethics are not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have. Yet, it’s also a place where ethical dilemmas can be as complex as the winding streets of the Three Cities. I wanted to understand how to navigate these complexities, and a Master’s in Business Ethics seemed like the perfect place to start.

My Journey: From Theory to Practice

I enrolled in the Master’s programme at the University of Malta, a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of Msida. The course was a whirlwind of theories, case studies, and debates. We explored everything from Kantian deontology to utilitarianism, from corporate social responsibility to whistleblowing. But the real learning happened when we applied these theories to real-world scenarios.

We analysed the Volkswagen emissions scandal, discussing the ethical implications of the company’s actions and the role of the individuals involved. We debated the ethics of data privacy in the age of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, a topic that hit close to home given Malta’s own data protection challenges. And we even discussed the ethical implications of Malta’s growing iGaming industry, a sector that’s a significant contributor to our economy.

Bringing Ethics to Life: My Capstone Project

For my capstone project, I decided to focus on a local issue – the ethical implications of Malta’s growing property market and the gentrification of historic areas like the Three Cities. I interviewed local residents, developers, and policymakers, and what I found was eye-opening. While the property market was bringing much-needed investment to these areas, it was also pricing out long-time residents and threatening the cultural heritage of these historic sites.

My project culminated in a series of recommendations for policymakers, developers, and residents. I suggested policies that could balance the need for development with the preservation of cultural heritage and the rights of long-time residents. It was a practical application of the theories I’d learned in the classroom, and it was incredibly rewarding.

: A Call to Action

My journey in business ethics has been enlightening, challenging, and ultimately, enriching. It’s shown me that ethics are not just about rules and regulations, but about the people behind the businesses and the communities they impact. , I urge everyone – from business leaders to policymakers, from residents to students – to consider the ethical implications of our actions. Let’s make Malta a place where business is done ethically, sustainably, and responsibly.

As the late Maltese philosopher, Francis Ebejer, once said, “Ethics is not about being good, but about doing good.” Let’s strive to do good, together.