Agricultural companies (2011-2013) were chosen as the samples of this study. Financial report data were used to analyze the disciplines of the executives, their strength mean, research and development (R&D) strength and productivity. The results of the empirical research showed that companies with technology executives will significantly have increased R&D intensity; but companies with management executives would have reduced R&D intensity; while both executives would have increased R&D intensity. Hiring management executives would have significant impact, but technical executives have no significant impact. Agricultural companies’ R&D intensity and corporate productivity have a significant negative correlation, because R&D transformation takes longer time. It is believed that reasonable arrangements of senior management structure, a modest increase in business R&D intensity, vertical integration strategy for improving productivity and competitiveness of core formation are necessary.

 

Key words: Knowledge-based executives, agricultural companies, R&D intensity, productivity.