In an era shaped by globalisation and dynamic multicultural interactions, there is a growing need
to understand how organisations operate at the intersection of business dynamics, entrepreneurial
management practices, and cultural diversity. The Platform for Business and Enterprising
Organisations in Multicultural Contexts has been established to respond to this need. It serves as a
collaborative initiative exploring the ways of operating, opportunities and challenges that arise
when enterprising organisations function within culturally diverse environments.
This platform aims to bridge academic inquiry with practical industry engagement, promoting a
multidisciplinary and multicultural cultural approach to understanding organisational life in diverse
settings. This platform will aim to work in accordance with the following terms of reference, while
being embedded in, and hosted by, the Department of Business and Enterprise Management within
the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy.
1. The Platform for Business and Enterprise Organisations in Multicultural Contexts is being
created and hosted by the Department of Business and Enterprise Management (FEMA).
2. The aims of the Platform are the following:
(a) to undertake, promote, facilitate and coordinate research on how businesses operate,
grow, and innovate within multicultural environments;
(b) to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among University of Malta entities focused on
business-related and multicultural themes;
(c) to draw upon international contacts and expertise to foster an exchange of academic and
professional knowledge in diverse academic fields;
(d) to generate opportunities for national and international research projects on business
practices in multicultural settings;
(e) to encourage the development of study units that incorporate industry engagement,
experiential learning opportunities, and dialogue between academics and practitioners;
(f) to publish research on how businesses navigate entrepreneurial management,
innovation, and strategic growth within multicultural environments;
(g) to collaborate with industry, NGOs, and diverse enterprises to ensure practical relevance
of research themes, student learning, and societal engagement in multicultural business
environments;
(h) to liaise with public institutions, government bodies, civil society, and businesses to foster
productive dialogue and partnerships;
(i) to identify gaps in public and academic dialogue which can be addressed through the
work of the platform;
(j) to create and organise outreach events that, while assisting and benefiting communities,
promote, action and encourage the above aims.
3. The Platform shall have the following structure:
(a) a Board consisting of a total of seven members. The members of the board shall have
voting rights and will include a Chair and a Co-ordinator of the platform. Board members
shall be appointed by Senate on the recommendation of the Rector, after consultation
with the Head of the Department of Business and Enterprise Management (FEMA) and
the Dean of FEMA;
(b) the Board will host observers with no voting rights;
(c) the Chair and the Co-ordinator should be a member of the hosting department and will
be nominated by the members of the Board. Such nomineesshall be confirmed by Senate;
(d) all other members of the Board will be identified from among academics working with
the University of Malta in any other entity outside of the Department of Business and
Enterprise Management (FEMA) and appointed by Senate after consultation with the
Rector, and after consultation with the Head of the Department of Business and
Enterprise Management (FEMA) and the Dean of FEMA;
(e) the appointment of the Board is for a period of two years, which can be renewed.
4. The platform will operate as a cost centre, subject to the University of Malta’s financial
regulations.
Approved by Senate on 12 May 2022
Revised and Approved by Senate on 30 October 2025
