CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ETHICAL COMPLIANCE IN THE POST-COVID-19 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped the global business environment, exposing vulnerabilities in corporate governance and highlighting the critical importance of ethical compliance. This study examines the evolving landscape of corporate governance in the post-COVID-19 era, emphasizing the integration of transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making as key drivers of organizational resilience and sustainability. The pandemic revealed how inadequate governance structures and lapses in ethical compliance can amplify operational risks, damage stakeholder trust, and impede long-term corporate performance.

In response, organizations are increasingly adopting robust governance frameworks that prioritize stakeholder engagement, risk management, and compliance with both legal and ethical standards. Ethical compliance extends beyond regulatory adherence, encompassing corporate social responsibility, fair labor practices, and the promotion of organizational integrity. Post-pandemic governance also necessitates digital transformation, remote work policies, and enhanced crisis management strategies to ensure continuity and accountability in a rapidly changing business environment.

This study concludes that the post-COVID-19 business environment demands a holistic approach to corporate governance, integrating legal compliance with ethical stewardship to foster sustainable growth, safeguard stakeholder interests, and strengthen organizational resilience. Companies that effectively combine strong governance practices with ethical leadership are better positioned to navigate uncertainties, mitigate risks, and contribute to broader societal well-being.