This review paper explores the balance between profit, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship in ethical supply chain management (ESCM). It discusses the challenges businesses face in integrating ethical practices into their supply chains, highlighting the conflict between profitability and ethical imperatives. The paper proposes a multifaceted approach to navigate these complexities, including best practices, adherence to policies and regulations, and leveraging technology and innovation. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in enhancing corporate sustainability, competitiveness, and stakeholder trust. Recommendations for businesses and directions for future research are provided to further the understanding and implementation of ethical supply chain management strategies that benefit both businesses and society. Ethical supply chain management involves incorporating ethical principles into the lifecycle of a supply chain, emphasizing economic efficiency and moral imperatives of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The concept of ESCM arises from increasing awareness among businesses and consumers about the broader impacts of commercial activities. Ethically managed supply chains can lead to sustainable business models, enhanced brand reputation, consumer loyalty, and the well-being of communities and environments affected by these operations. ESCM seeks to harmonize the often conflicting goals of profitability, social equity, and environmental preservation, ensuring that businesses contribute positively to the world. The pursuit of an ethical balance within supply chain management is fraught with challenges and conflicts. The tension between maximizing profit and adhering to ethical standards is a fundamental challenge. Companies must navigate this tension by integrating ethical considerations into their core business strategy. This includes adopting responsible sourcing policies, investing in long-term relationships with suppliers, and transparent communication about ethical efforts to enhance brand reputation. Environmental concerns in supply chain operations include resource depletion, pollution, and waste management. Addressing these concerns requires companies to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing resource consumption, optimizing logistics to lower emissions, and investing in renewable energy. Additionally, companies can embrace circular economy principles to minimize their environmental footprint. Social responsibility in supply chain management involves labor rights, fair wages, working conditions, and the impact on local communities. Companies are responsible for ensuring their supply chains are free from exploitative practices. This involves conducting due diligence, implementing strict labor standards, and engaging with local communities and stakeholders. Strategies for balancing profit, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship include adopting best practices, adhering to policies and regulations, and leveraging technology and innovation. These strategies contribute to a more ethical and sustainable business model, enhancing competitiveness and brand reputation in a market increasingly driven by values and sustainability.This review paper explores the balance between profit, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship in ethical supply chain management (ESCM). It discusses the challenges businesses face in integrating ethical practices into their supply chains, highlighting the conflict between profitability and ethical imperatives. The paper proposes a multifaceted approach to navigate these complexities, including best practices, adherence to policies and regulations, and leveraging technology and innovation. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in enhancing corporate sustainability, competitiveness, and stakeholder trust. Recommendations for businesses and directions for future research are provided to further the understanding and implementation of ethical supply chain management strategies that benefit both businesses and society. Ethical supply chain management involves incorporating ethical principles into the lifecycle of a supply chain, emphasizing economic efficiency and moral imperatives of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The concept of ESCM arises from increasing awareness among businesses and consumers about the broader impacts of commercial activities. Ethically managed supply chains can lead to sustainable business models, enhanced brand reputation, consumer loyalty, and the well-being of communities and environments affected by these operations. ESCM seeks to harmonize the often conflicting goals of profitability, social equity, and environmental preservation, ensuring that businesses contribute positively to the world. The pursuit of an ethical balance within supply chain management is fraught with challenges and conflicts. The tension between maximizing profit and adhering to ethical standards is a fundamental challenge. Companies must navigate this tension by integrating ethical considerations into their core business strategy. This includes adopting responsible sourcing policies, investing in long-term relationships with suppliers, and transparent communication about ethical efforts to enhance brand reputation. Environmental concerns in supply chain operations include resource depletion, pollution, and waste management. Addressing these concerns requires companies to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing resource consumption, optimizing logistics to lower emissions, and investing in renewable energy. Additionally, companies can embrace circular economy principles to minimize their environmental footprint. Social responsibility in supply chain management involves labor rights, fair wages, working conditions, and the impact on local communities. Companies are responsible for ensuring their supply chains are free from exploitative practices. This involves conducting due diligence, implementing strict labor standards, and engaging with local communities and stakeholders. Strategies for balancing profit, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship include adopting best practices, adhering to policies and regulations, and leveraging technology and innovation. These strategies contribute to a more ethical and sustainable business model, enhancing competitiveness and brand reputation in a market increasingly driven by values and sustainability.