A PARADIGM FOR SHAPING SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS BEHAVIOR IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article conceptualizes a transformational paradigm of socially responsible corporate behavior in terms of sustainable development through the lens of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), which is interpreted as an integrative methodological framework for institutionalizing environmental, social, and governance determinants within the modern architecture of corporate governance. The study analyzes the synergistic impact of environmental, social, and governance factors on the emergence of a new configuration of corporate priorities, in which non-financial indicators become key determinants of long-term competitiveness. Particular attention is paid to the Ukrainian context: the processes of integration into the European economic environment, post-war reconstruction, and the implementation of regulatory innovations (CSRD, CBAM, directives on human rights in supply chains), as well as the specific challenges of the local business ecosystem. It is shown that proactive implementation of ESG policies not only optimizes management practices and enhances companies’ resilience to market turbulence, but also shapes a new dimension of competitive advantage, in which intellectual and intangible assets take on key importance. An original model of ESG-oriented corporate social responsibility has been developed, which provides an analytical breakdown of the factors influencing its formation, enables the verification of causal relationships between ESG parameters and business performance, and establishes a methodological foundation for strategic management decision-making. The research findings have practical significance for strategic planning, preparing companies for European sustainability standards, and enhancing the international reputation of Ukrainian business entities.