Dr Massa was invited to deliver an applied series of sessions over two days on ‘Ethics in Business’ at the Malta Stock Exchange. The masterclasses, attended by Directors, managers and founders, involved interaction and context‑sensitive evaluation, case application and an overview of current dynamics accentuating the increasing criticality of aspects associated with ethics. These were applied in direct relation to business operations at all levels, individual behaviour and market interaction. Aspects concerning sustainability and business performance, as well as broader societal implications, in view of both ethical fundamentals and mounting regulatory and compliance pressures were also treated.
The programme was geared towards executives and practitioners or anyone involved in business; or professionals engaged in dealing with and advising businesses and organisations in increasingly competitive and globalised environments – including financial advisers, accountants, lawyers, IT, gaming and international business among others. Incorporating case-studies, Dr Massa’s sessions applied and leveraged participants’ experiential knowledge towards exploring respective realities, challenges and opportunities.
Among various aspects treated, the sessions addressed the core, at times elusive, principles of ethics and corporate social responsibility in relation to professional perspectives within shifting and arguably blurred realities. The implications of globalisation, internationalisation and intensifying competition were discussed – and fundamental perspectives in determining ethical conduct and arriving at ethical decisions were explored. In consolidation, guidelines for self-regulation and codes of conduct towards competitive advantage in sustainable competitiveness based on sound corporate social responsibility practice were established.
Dr Massa commends the initiatives undertaken by the Malta Stock Exchange in promoting and providing for financial and investment education and awareness, as well as bringing to the fore various important issues, including ethics in business and corporate responsibility, for professionals and society at large.
Dr Nathaniel Massa is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy.