The culture of lawfulness

Governance consultants often discuss the importance of ‘the tone from the top’ when advising their clients on the best way to improve their performance. This phrase describes the source of an organisation’s culture. In a democracy, an essential hallmark of excellence is the commitment to a culture of lawfulness.

A nation is not so different from other organisations. Organisational culture is a powerful force that impacts the behaviour of its members. Political leaders that want to leave their mark on their followers work hard to establish a culture that supports their values. A nation’s culture is a more powerful influence on its citizens than the explicit orders and directives coming from above.

A country may enact the smartest laws. If the enforcement culture is missing, these laws will do very little to improve people’s lives. Most of Malta’s law books are among the more up-to-date. But the culture of enforcement is worryingly weak.

Just spend an hour driving on our congested roads and note the number of people using their mobile phones while driving. Has anyone ever tried to count the number of poorly maintained, slow-moving, heavy vehicles spouting clouds of toxic exhaust...