THE TRANSFORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETHICS IN A CLIMATE OF GEOPOLITICAL TURBULENCE

Abstract

This article examines international business ethics in the context of geopolitical turbulence. It explores the essence of international business ethics and identifies its role in shaping sustainable management models that combine economic viability with the principles of honesty, integrity and social responsibility. It is argued that international business ethics is a multifaceted phenomenon that synthesises economic interests, legal norms and moral principles to support the sustainable development of the global market.

A comparative analysis of case studies involving Unilever, Nike, Shell and Siemens has been conducted, confirming that ethical crises can be transformed into strategic advantages through proactive mechanisms for regulatory compliance and corporate social responsibility.

The key components of a management approach aimed at maintaining a balance have been identified; this includes the identification of ethical risks, the implementation of integrated compliance, systematic monitoring, and the development of an ethical culture among staff. This approach enables ethics to be transformed into a risk management tool. Stages have been established through which the ethical resilience of international business is assessed and integrated compliance is implemented within an international company. Compliance and corporate social responsibility function as complementary components of ethical regulation of international business activities. Their integration forms a system of ethical resilience, which enhances organisations’ adaptability to crises, sanctions and geopolitical turbulence, creating the conditions for sustainable development and the preservation of international reputation. A model of the «ethical balance triangle» is proposed, which ensures a balance between economic efficiency, social responsibility and political neutrality, whilst adapting to global crises. The implementation of the proposed ethical toolkit enhances reputational capital and organisational resilience in a geopolitically unstable environment, whilst their integration into corporate governance systems promotes the prevention of moral hazards and strengthens competitiveness.


References

1. Zarichna, O. V., Zelic, V. V. (2022), Business ethics in the conditions of European integration. Scientific Bulletin of Uzhhorod National University, Special Issue No. 44, 36–40. https://doi.org/10.32782/2413-9971/2022-44-6
2. Kravchenko, O. O., Antonenko, A. S. (2025), Corporate ethics as the basis of socially responsible business. Economic Space, (200), 60–63. https://doi.org/10.30838/EP.200.60-63
3. Lyska, P. O. (2024), Corporate social responsibility: global and Ukrainian experience; ways of global implementation. Sustainable Economic Development, 1(48), 331–338. https://doi.org/10.32782/2308-1988/2024-48-45
4. Makedon, V. V. (2010), International strategic alliances of companies: monograph. Dnipropetrovsk: DUEP. 304 p.
5. Ohinok, S. V., Kogut, M. V., Kogut, A. V. (2024), Ethics and corporate social responsibility in international business. Kyiv Economic Scientific Journal, (4), 171–176. https://doi.org/10.32782/2786-765X/2024-4-24 Strii, L., Vlasova, H. (2025), Ethics and social responsibility in international marketing. Economy and Society, (77). https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2025-77-11
6. Shvydanenko, H., Shvydanenko, O. (2024), Corporate ethics in the context of global challenges and ensuring business economic growth. Economy and Society, (61). https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2024-61-124
7. Bhargav, S. K. (2023), Ethical Issues in International Business: A Comparative Study of Different Companies. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 11(8), 265–279. URL: https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2308456.pdf
8. Holtbrügge, D. (2025), Ethical Issues in International Business Research. Management International Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-025-00598-0
9. Dierksmeier, C. (2024), After Business Ethics. Journal of Human Values, 30(1), 52–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/09716858231201185
10. Meijer, K., Smit, M. (2024), Global Survey on Business Ethics 2022–2024 – The Netherlands. In: Robinson, B., Enderle, G. (Eds.), Global Survey of Business Ethics 2022–2024: Teaching, Research and Training (Europe ed., Vol. 3, pp. 343–370). Globethics Publications; International Society of Business, Economics, and Ethics (ISBEE). https://doi.org/10.58863/20.500.12424/4316506
11. Miller, S. R., Moore, F., Eden, L. (2024), Ethics and international business research: Considerations and best practices. International Business Review, 33(1), Article 102207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2023.102207
12. O’Higgins, E. (2025), Reports from Europe: Global Survey of Business Ethics 2022–2024. Business and Professional Ethics Journal. Online First, published January 9. https://doi.org/10.5840/bpej20241227163
13. Singh, K. (2025). How Globalization Has Redefined Business Ethics: A Cross-Cultural and Strategic Perspective. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 7(4), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.48377
14. Taibi, A., Sekher, A., Saida, A. (2024), The impact of business ethics on enhancing knowledge management processes in Algerian enterprises — Algeria Telecom Corporation as a model. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 9(11), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2024.v9i11.5109