Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development: Theoretical and Methodological Principles

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58423/2786-6742/2025-11-114-125

Keywords:

corporate governance, sustainable development, ESG, CSRD, GRI, corporate reporting, inclusivity, transparency

Abstract

The article examines the transformation of corporate governance in the 21st century, during which it is no longer viewed solely as a tool of economic efficiency but increasingly acquires the features of a mechanism for implementing the principles of sustainable development. It is emphasized that in Ukraine corporate structures operate within a complex regulatory environment, which complicates the integration of environmental responsibility, social justice and ethical standards into the management system. The article analyzes the scientific approaches of domestic and foreign researchers to defining the essence of corporate governance, outlines existing models (Anglo-Saxon, continental, Japanese, stakeholder- and ESG-oriented), and characterizes the possibilities of their adaptation in Ukrainian realities. It is substantiated that the most promising directions include stakeholder-oriented, ESG-based, and institutional-legal approaches, as they that can ensure a balance between economic efficiency, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Particular attention is paid to international non-financial reporting standards (GRI, ESG, CSRD, ESRS), which form the basis of business transparency and accountability, as well as to factors hindering their implementation in Ukraine: regulatory uncertainty, low managerial awareness, shortage of qualified personnel, limited resources and cultural and organizational barriers. The article identifies key areas for improving corporate governance, including the harmonization of legislation with EU requirements, development of educational initiatives, implementation of non-financial reporting, audit and digitalization of management processes. It is concluded that the effective integration of sustainable development principles into corporate practice is a prerequisite for enhancing transparency, investment attractiveness and competitiveness of Ukrainian companies, while further progress in this area requires a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach.

Author Biographies

Anna Kostyakova, Dmitry Motorny Tavria State Agrotechnological University

Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor

Katya Kopot, Dmitry Motorny Tavria State Agrotechnological University

Master's degree

References

1. Kuzjmin, O. Je., & Ghavkaljuk, N. M. (2020). Corporate governance in the context of sustainable development: theoretical principles and practical implementations. Economy and State, 11, 18–22 [in Ukrainian].

2. Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating Shared Value. Harvard Business Review, 89, 1/2, 62–77.

3. Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Boston : Pitman Publishing.

4. Ghudzj, O. Je. (2018). Corporate governance: textbook. Ljviv: LighaPres [in Ukrainian].

5. Bocharova, N. A. (2021). Peculiarities of the formation of the corporate management system in Ukraine. Economics of the transport complex, 38, 18–32 [in Ukrainian].

6. Bajura, D. (2022). Corporate governance is a special type of management. Energy business, 5, 12–49 [in Ukrainian].

7. Danylevych, N. S. (2020). Corporate social responsibility of enterprises as a prerequisite for sustainable development. Scientific notes of KNEU, 3, 78–84 [in Ukrainian].

8. Jurchyshena, L. V. (2020). Principles of corporate governance: international experience and implementation in universities. Effective economy, 8. pryncypy korporatyvnogho upravlinnja: mizhnarodnyj dosvid ta vprovadzhennja v universytetakh [in Ukrainian].

9. Bezus, P. I., & Shatnenko, L. O. (2018). Evolution of principles of corporate governance. Effective economy, 1. http://www.economy.nayka.com.ua/?op=1&z=6068 [in Ukrainian].

10. Sytnyk, H. I., & Jurchenko, V. S. (2021). Formation of the concept of corporate social responsibility of enterprises in the context of sustainable development. Economy and society, 26, 118–124 [in Ukrainian].

11. Sejsebajeva, N. H., & Kulyk, I. V. (2024). Ukraine on the way to the EU: non-financial reporting of businesses from NFRD to CSRD. Financial and credit activities: problems of theory and practice, 2(49), 71–78 [in Ukrainian].

12. Kostjakova, A.A. (2025). Prospects and impact of the implementation of ESG reporting on accounting and reporting in Ukraine in the context of European integration. International scientific-practical conference “Current issues of economics, accounting, finance, and law: theory and practice”: conference proceedings. Aarhus, Denmark: Scholarly Publisher ICSSh, 32-34 [in Ukrainian].

13. GRI Standards. (2021). Global Reporting Initiative. https://www.globalreporting.org

14. European Commission. (2022). Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en

15. EFRAG. (2023). European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). https://www.efrag.org

16. Ghrushhenko, O. (2023). Theoretical aspects of corporate governance development in modern realities. Sustainable Economic Development, 2(47), 70–76 [in Ukrainian].

17. Dzhensen, M. S., & Meklingh, V. Gh. (1976). Theory of the firm: manager behavior, agency costs, and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics, 3(4), 305–360 [in Ukrainian].

18. Shleifer, A., & Vishny, R. W. (1997). A Survey of Corporate Governance. The Journal of Finance, 52, 2, 737–783 [in Ukrainian].

19. Schmidt, H. (2003). Die Deutschland AG: Ein Unternehmensnetzwerk in der Krise. Frankfurt: Campus Verlag.

20. Streeck, W. (2009). Re-Forming Capitalism: Institutional Change in the German Political Economy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

21. Aoki, M. (2001). Toward a Comparative Institutional Analysis. Cambridge: MIT Press.

22. Whittaker, D. H. (2000). Comparative Japanese Enterprise: Beyond Diversity. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

23. Cadbury, A. (1992). Report of the Committee on the Financial Aspects of Corporate Governance. London: Gee Publishing.

24. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (2002). Public Law 107–204. Washington: U.S. Congress.

25. UN Global Compact. (2023). Principles and Reporting Framework. (2023). https://www.unglobalcompact.org

Published

2025-12-17

Issue

Section

Economics and management