ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR ENHANCING SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY IN UKRAINE: LESSONS FROM INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES

Abstract

The article examines the role of ethical leadership in developing effective public-private partnerships (PPPs) for enhancing social protection policies in Ukraine. The research analyzes international best practices of socially responsible business leadership and their potential adaptation to Ukrainian realities in 2025. The study reveals that ethical leadership principles, including servant leadership, conscious capitalism, and stakeholder-oriented approaches, can significantly improve collaboration between public authorities and business entities in addressing social protection challenges. The analysis demonstrates that successful implementation of PPP mechanisms in social protection requires leaders who prioritize social value creation over short-term profits, demonstrate transparency and accountability, and foster trust-based relationships with stakeholders. The article identifies key success factors for ethical leadership in Ukrainian PPPs, including value-driven decision-making, stakeholder engagement, sustainable development orientation, and institutional capacity building. The research concludes that adopting ethical leadership approaches in public-private partnerships can enhance the effectiveness of social protection policies while building resilient communities and promoting sustainable development in post-war Ukraine. The findings suggest that institutional frameworks supporting ethical leadership development are crucial for successful PPP implementation in the social protection sector.