Title: Controllership as an instrument to reduce information asymmetry in public companies: a Brazilian public company case study in the port sector

Authors: Roberto Paveck Pinheiro; Ana Lucia Fontes De Souza Vasconcelos; Liliane Cristina Segura; José Manoel Gatto Dos Santos

Addresses: CCSA – Center of Applied Social Science, Presbyterian Mackensie University, Rua da Consolação, 930, 01302-907, São Paulo, Brazil ' CCSA – Center of Applied Social Science, Presbyterian Mackensie University, Rua da Consolação, 930, 01302-907, São Paulo, Brazil ' CCSA – Center of Applied Social Science, Presbyterian Mackensie University, Rua da Consolação, 930, 01302-907, São Paulo, Brazil ' Companhia Docas do Estado de São Paulo (CODESP), Avenida Rodrigues Alves S/N Macuco, CEP 11015-900 Santos – SP, Brazil

Abstract: This study identifies the characteristics and activities performed in the controllership area of a Brazilian public company in the port sector. The theme is based on the theory of informational asymmetry addressing controllership in the management of internal control and information systems. The methodology uses a qualitative approach, including both an analysis of the literature on the topic and data extracted from documentary analysis of the company's public reports issued by Companhia Docas do Estado de São Paulo (CODESP). The proposed arrangement for a customised structure for the controllership at CODESP adds new responsibilities to the current ones to allow the area to act institutionally, to contribute effectively, and to improve the company's financial management. This study contributes scientifically to the debate on controllership as an instrument in the reduction of fraud risks in the port sector. In an applied way, it has the potential for replicability within the sector. The work presents an interventionist option for the company in the fight against fraud.

Keywords: controllership; fraud; risk prevention; asymmetry; port sector; public reports; interventionist research; qualitative methodology; Brazilian port company.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAUDIT.2020.115928

International Journal of Auditing Technology, 2020 Vol.4 No.3, pp.195 - 216

Received: 13 Jan 2021
Accepted: 09 Mar 2021
Published online: 05 Jul 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article