ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY CODE IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS: PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS

Abstract

The article analyzes the role of ethics and responsibility codes in the governance of international business. It demonstrates that the code should be understood not merely as a statement of values, but as a practical mechanism for risk management, supply-chain oversight, respect for human rights, anti-corruption control, and stakeholder accountability. The paper further argues that the effectiveness of such a code depends not only on its wording, but also on its integration into leadership culture, compliance systems, training practices, reporting channels, and auditing procedures.