The present work attempts based on the analysis of linear structure equation models, to compile regulation factors of the success of agricultural enterprises at the management level. For generation and evaluation reasons, the findings from the factor research are the focus of the study. After introducing the topic of success factor research, current empirical methods are compared based on their explanatory potential. As a result of the comparison, it was decided to apply a confirmatory approach. Linear structure equation models with latent variables are applied to the database. The explanation of the method occurs in chapter 3. They are applied on the factor analysis as well as the path analysis because linear structural equation models concern both. In the following, the database, which is based on the results of annual financial statements of agricultural enterprises from southern Saxony-Anhalt, is introduced. Following, there occurs the characterisation and discussion of the data. The next chapter contains the results of the partial analytical investigation of possible variables which may influence the success of agricultural enterprises. Embedded in a theoretical framework, the basic theoretical hypotheses were formulated. The theoretical basis of research hypotheses is based on the management model for enterprises, which makes a distinction between management level and other dimensions of business administration. Based on these results, and on the results of the descriptive evaluation, concrete research hypotheses are formulated. The hypotheses imply a positive effect of the single dimensions of business administration, such as market orientation, technology orientation, cost orientation and resource orientation, on enterprise success. The hypotheses are tested in factor-analytic models, and structured equation models of the first and second order are discussed regarding content. As a result, production and costs orientation and market orientation most affect enterprise success. Therefore, the influence of management and business administration were found to be factors of success in different performance data. However, the results are to be interpreted in the scope of the formulated models.
