SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES: CURRENT STATE, CHALLENGES, AND WAYS TO OVERCOME THEM

Abstract

The article explores the concept of social responsibility in agricultural enterprises as a key factor in ensuring the sustainable development of the agrarian sector. The study examines theoretical foundations, conceptual approaches, and methodological frameworks for understanding social responsibility, emphasizing its integral components such as environmental stewardship, ethical labor relations, community engagement, and transparency in corporate governance. Attention is given to the analysis of scientific works by leading scholars who have contributed to shaping modern views on the socially responsible approach in agribusiness, outlining current global and national trends, challenges, and prospects for the implementation of socially responsible practices. The research results indicate that the integration of social responsibility principles into the strategic management of agricultural enterprises enhances their competitiveness, strengthens stakeholder trust, and promotes balanced regional development. The methodological basis of the study includes a comprehensive review of academic publications, monographs, scientific articles, and legislative acts issued between 2017 and 2022, as well as an empirical analysis of the activities of selected agricultural enterprises. The methods of system analysis, comparative analysis, synthesis, and generalization of scientific information were applied to identify key factors influencing the implementation of social responsibility in the agrarian sector. Special attention was paid to the study of conceptual interpretations of social responsibility in the context of sustainable rural development and the examination of practical cases demonstrating the effectiveness of socially responsible practices. The obtained results form a theoretical and methodological basis for improving management decisions aimed at integrating social responsibility into the strategic development of agricultural enterprises and enhancing their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.