Analysis of the management of economic entities that perform the activity of agricultural production

In this paper, the authors present the specifics of the management of economic entities in the field of agricultural production in the Republic of Serbia. In addition to the goals that all business entities are faced with, which are economic goals that are reflected in the realization of profits for the sake of business security for a long period of time and safe survival in a constantly turbulent environment, and legal goals that oblige first-class entities to operate in accordance with legal regulations, limiting conditions of freedom of management, in the form of respect for high ethical principles, are set before economic entities engaged in agricultural production due to the use of agricultural land that represents a good of general interest and a natural resource. This activity has a significant impact on human health and the environment. The authors used a survey of the owners of 40 agricultural farms and small businesses in the territory of the municipality of Ruma and other stakeholders, first of all buyers of goods of the surveyed economic entities, then extensive literate review and the method of comparative analysis. The results of the research show that for those economic subjects whose business requires the trust of citizens and protection of the environment, respect for high ethical principles in business, could be the tip of the scales that will determine their survival on the market. It has been shown that compliance with the rules of business ethics, in the long term, brings the business entity more profit, so compliance with those rules is becoming more and more universal. That is why agricultural producers follow the ethical principles of responsible business. The role of the Government of the Republic of Serbia could be crucial here with certain types of assistance, which would further improve the sustainable development of agricultural entities.