Abstract This study examines how business ethics relate to the perceived adoption of ESG practices in Polish and Hungarian SMEs, and highlights differences by country. About 700 SME entrepreneurs and managers in these countries responded to a survey. Researchers assessed the influence of ethical attitudes, the presence of a code of ethics, and anti-corruption measures on respondents’ ratings of their companies’ ESG implementation (a subjective perception). The study used regression and correlation analysis at a 5% significance level. The results show business ethics are significantly related to perceived ESG implementation in both countries, though the relevant factors differ. In Poland, anti-corruption and formal ethical instruments stand out; in Hungary, entrepreneurs’ ethical attitudes are key. The findings underline that national and cultural contexts shape how business ethics affect ESG action. This paper adds to knowledge of ESG drivers in Central Europe and offers guidance for policy and practice.
Belás et al. (Mon,) studied this question.