Integrity pays off: risk reduction and stronger trust are top gains, study finds
A joint study by Accountability Lab and the Professional Association of Corporate Governance (PACU) has shed light on how Ukrainian firms approach ethical conduct. Titled “Rebuilding Ukraine on Integrity: The Role of Ethical Business,” the research surveyed 118 PACU-affiliated companies. Of those, 109 (92%) said they had put business-integrity measures in place, and 88 respondents (81%) reported a positive impact, pointing most often to risk avoidance and greater confidence among partners.
The remaining findings show a nuanced picture. While 21 companies (19%) could not give concrete cases of integrity measures supporting day-to-day operations, they still acknowledged the value of what had been adopted. Only 9 firms (8%) had little meaningful experience with such commitments. Looking at specific benefits, 50 respondents (57%) cited risk avoidance, and 44 (50%) noted higher trust from external counterparties.
How integrity affects business
When asked whether integrity principles constrained their ability to operate in Ukraine in 2024–2025, 63% (74 of 118) said they did not. Nearly 90% of respondents were able to point to concrete strategies and tools that had a positive effect. Among the most useful measures:
- training and awareness-raising activities – cited by 60% (64 respondents);
- codes of conduct and internal policies – cited by 59% (63 respondents);
- digitalisation and automation of business processes – cited by 52% (55 respondents).
As Ukraine charts its recovery, ethical corporate behaviour is increasingly viewed as essential to economic stability and international credibility. This report was produced with financial support from the New Democracy Fund, which is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was published on the Rubryka website on 20 August 2026.
As Ukrainian companies increasingly adopt ethical practices, understanding the broader context of their engagement with government processes becomes essential. A recent report highlights that over half of these firms have been excluded from government consultations, which raises questions about the implications for their operational integrity and influence. For a deeper look at how this dynamic affects the business landscape, see our coverage on the government's role in corporate consultations.