Voytyk Oleksandra, PhD of Science in Public Administration, senior lecturer of the Department of Public Administration, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine

ORCID: 0009-0000-7478-1258
e-mail: voyityk@ukr.net

Maziy Nataliia,  PhD in Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Management of Organizations,  Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine

ORCID: 0000-0002-0558-5963
e-mail: maziynatali@ukr.net

Ethical Standards of Civil Servants and Entrepreneurs as a Tool for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract. Introduction. This study examines the ethical standards of civil servants and entrepreneurs as a means of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It analyzes the importance of professional ethics in public administration and the corporate sector, emphasizing their role in fostering trust, transparency, and social responsibility. In the face of current social, economic, and environmental challenges, ethical standards are recognized as a systemic mechanism that ensures the alignment of state, business, and societal interests. The legal and regulatory framework for ethical conduct in public service is summarized, including the Law of Ukraine «On Civil Service» and the «General Rules of Ethical Behavior of Civil Servants and Local Self-Government Officials».

Purpose. The purpose of this research is threefold: first, to identify the role and mechanisms of implementing ethical standards in public administration and entrepreneurship as instruments for sustainable development; second, to determine their common principles; and third, to outline ways to improve ethical governance in Ukraine in accordance with OECD and EU recommendations.

Results. This paper discusses the ongoing reform of Ukraine’s public service ethical infrastructure and the challenges of implementing codes of ethics, anti-corruption policies, and monitoring mechanisms. It analyzes the specifics of applying ethical principles in the business sector, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The paper demonstrates that corporate ethics and social responsibility enhance competitiveness, strengthen stakeholder trust, and increase investment attractiveness. A comparative analysis of ethical standards in the public and entrepreneurial sectors reveals shared values, including integrity, accountability, transparency, and fairness. The paper shows that the synergy between public and business ethics reduces corruption risks, strengthens social capital, and contributes to achieving the SDGs.

Conclusions. The implementation of an integrated model of ethical governance, combining education, professional certification, integrity monitoring, and international cooperation, is crucial for ensuring sustainable development. Ethical standards are considered strategic instruments of competitiveness, institutional stability, and responsible governance, as well as moral imperatives.

Keywords: ethical standards; сivil servant; public administration; entrepreneurship; sustainable development.

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