https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26426 Sat, 14 Nov 2026 18:26:58 GMT 2026-11-14T18:26:58Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150966 Title: An ethical appraisal of ESG in business Abstract: This thesis critically examines whether the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework meaningfully advances ethical responsibility in business, or whether ethics has instead been reduced to a compliance-driven exercise of measurement, reporting, and disclosure. It traces the historical evolution of ESG from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), critically evaluates its Environmental, Social, and Governance Pillars, and analyses its philosophical foundations through the ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Drawing upon complementary frameworks - including Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics, Alex Edman’s Grow the Pie, and Rajeev Peshawaria’s concept of steward leadership - the thesis argues that, while ESG provides a valuable mechanism for institutionalising sustainability within financial markets, it is insufficient on its own to guarantee ethical business conduct. Ultimately, it concludes that genuinely responsible business depends less on governance metrics and regulatory compliance than on purpose driven, virtuous leadership, proposing a reframing of ESG as “ESL” - Environmental, Social, and Leadership. Description: M.A. Bus. Ethics(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150966 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150858 Title: Bioethics and prostitution : towards an ethically coherent legislative model Abstract: Prostitution can be understood not only as a legal or social issue, but also as a bioethical one, because it raises important questions about vulnerability, autonomy, dignity, integrity, harm, and inequality. This dissertation examines prostitution through the broader framework of European bioethics and bio-law, whilst also drawing on the principles of justice, beneficence and non-maleficence as practical guides for assessing legislation. The study was carried out through a literature review of bioethical, legal, philosophical, and empirical sources related to prostitution and the ways in which it is regulated. It investigates how prostitution may be understood as a bioethical problem, how intersecting vulnerabilities shape the lives of those involved, and how current legislative models respond to these realities. The findings demonstrate that prostitution cannot be adequately understood through individual choice alone, since it is often deeply connected to trauma, coercion, addiction, poverty, stigma, and structural inequality. The analysis also shows that legal models differ significantly in their ethical coherence and practical effects. Among the models examined, the Nordic/Equality Model emerges as the most ethically coherent, since it seeks to reduce exploitation without criminalising the person in prostitution. At the same time, the dissertation argues that no legal model is sufficient on its own unless it is accompanied by meaningful support systems. The dissertation therefore proposes and suggests that ethically coherent legislation should be combined with trauma-informed care, realistic exit pathways, housing support, and healthcare access for those who wish to leave prostitution. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150858 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150386 Title: Navigating ethical challenges faced by professionals within the pharmaceutical industry in Malta Abstract: Objective The pharmaceutical industry operates at the intersection of medical innovation and commercial profit, creating a dual mission that poses significant ethical challenges. Apart from identifying the practices within the local pharmaceutical sector that cause most concern, this dissertation investigates the ethical orientation, recognition of ethical breaches, and levels of moral distress among pharmaceutical professionals in Malta and which factors bear most impact on the traits under investigation. Method Utilizing a quantitative research design, an anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to members of the Association of Medical Representatives (AMR), the central organization for medical representatives in Malta. The research employed the Ethics Position Questionnaire-5 (EPQ-5) to assess ethical orientation, vignette-based scenarios to measure recognition and tolerance of misconduct, and a scale composed of industry-specific items to evaluate moral distress. Key Findings Based on a response rate of 42.1%, findings indicate that marketing practices (70.3%) are perceived as the primary source of ethical concern. The local workforce is predominantly principled, with 39.1% classifying as Absolutists and 29.7% as Situationists, reflecting a collective priority on patient safety and harm avoidance. Ethics training appears to contribute significantly to ethical recognition, significantly improving a professional’s ability to identify misconduct such as misleading claims or the withholding of safety information. Notably, Maltese nationality was the strongest predictor of high moral distress, while pharmacists reported significantly higher distress than non-pharmacists, particularly regarding safety information and unethical incentives. Furthermore, a clear shift in ideology was observed with tenure, moving from Subjectivism at entry-level to Absolutism among more experienced professionals. Conclusion The study concludes that while the Maltese pharmaceutical workforce is fundamentally principled, individuals face significant distress when commercial pressures conflict with professional integrity. Description: M.A. Bus. Ethics(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150386 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150385 Title: Guardianships and older adults from the perspective of dignity Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, classified under major neurocognitive disorder. According to Alzheimer Europe’s 2025 report, an estimated 9,476 people in Malta are living with dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2050. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience severe cognitive decline, affecting their ability to carry out daily tasks and make important healthcare decisions. In such cases, guardianship may be introduced to support decision-making. Guardianship refers to the legal relationship between a guardian and a person unable to manage their own affairs due to mental or physical incapacity. Despite its protective role, guardianship may threaten the dignity and autonomy of older adults when applied in a paternalistic manner within Maltese healthcare settings. This creates an ethical dilemma: balancing the protection of vulnerable individuals with respect for their autonomy and dignity. This dissertation critically examines Maltese guardianship law and explores how it may either support or undermine the dignity and autonomy of older adults under guardianship. The study addresses two main questions: Do guardianships in Malta adequately protect the dignity and autonomy of older adults in practice? If not, how can guardianship be reformed to better safeguard both? The study adopts a bibliographic approach using secondary sources, including peer reviewed articles, books, policy documents, medical society publications, and legal texts. Some anecdotal experiences observed by the researcher are also included. The dissertation is divided into three chapters: the first examines Maltese guardianship law and its ethical implications; the second explores the philosophical concepts of dignity and autonomy; and the third proposes recommendations for reform. Ultimately, this research aims to promote ethical discussion surrounding guardianship and raise awareness of the challenges it presents, while offering recommendations to better protect the human rights, dignity, and autonomy of older adults in healthcare decision-making. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150385 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z