CORPORATE ETHICS AS A BASIS FOR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

The importance of corporate ethics as the foundation of socially responsible business is growing due to rising public expectations, regulatory pressure and the need for sustainable economic development. Ethical business practices help to build trust between stakeholders, ensure long-term stability and strengthen corporate reputation, as well as positively influence the corporate culture of the company itself. This study aims to analyze the role of corporate ethics in shaping responsible business strategies and its impact on financial and non-financial performance of the company and society.The study uses analytical and comparative methods to examine ethical frameworks, corporate policies and best practices, and to identify key factors that drive ethical decision-making in business. The findings show that companies with strong ethical commitments demonstrate greater employee engagement, customer loyalty, and investor confidence, which leads to sustainable competitive advantages. In addition, adherence to corporate ethics reduces legal risks, increases transparency, and fosters positive relations with the public and regulators. Conversely, unethical behavior leads to reputational damage, financial losses, and reduced market confidence. The practical significance of the study is to provide strategic recommendations for business on the effective integration of ethical principles into corporate governance and their impact on the corporate culture of the enterprise, as well as employee motivation. The proposed approaches can help organizations improve risk management, strengthen brand positioning, and align their activities with social and environmental goals of sustainable development. By integrating corporate ethics into their core strategies, businesses can achieve long-term growth while fulfilling their social responsibilities. It has also been proven that companies that are guided by ethical principles and social responsibility not only build a positive image, but also ensure the stability and efficiency of their operations in the face of global market changes.