Corporate governance in agricultural holdings: Ensuring transparency and efficiency in management decisions

The purpose of the study was to develop recommendations for improving the transparency and efficiency of corporate governance in agricultural holdings, consideirng the specifics of their activities and existing business challenges. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive analysis of corporate governance in the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan for 2018-2024 was carried out, which included an assessment of the effectiveness of management practices, the introduction of the latest technologies and environmental initiatives, and a comparison of the financial results of large agricultural holdings such as Olzha Agro, Atameken-Agro, Agrofirma TNK. It was established that corporate governance in the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan is critical for ensuring the efficiency, transparency and sustainable development of companies. It was determined that the introduction of the latest technologies, environmentally friendly practices and social responsibility contributed to improving financial performance and increasing investor confidence. In particular, companies that actively invested in precision farming and automation technologies showed significant productivity growth and cost reduction, which positively affects their financial results. However, current challenges, such as lack of skills, lack of a clear management structure in small businesses, and the influence of large shareholders, required attention to optimise management practices. The results confirmed the need for training and professional development of employees, and the creation of more transparent management mechanisms that would reduce the risk of conflicts of interest. In general, improving corporate governance was the key to increasing the competitiveness of agricultural holdings and ensuring their sustainability in the face of changes in the market. The study highlighted the need to strengthen oversight through external audits and involve independent directors who can ensure objectivity and transparency in management decision-making. The adoption of international financial reporting standards is recognised as an important step towards transparency of management decisions and attracting investment