Abstract

The objective of this paper is to make a comparative analysis of the accountability theory approach of the index of disclosure and the importance given by stakeholders to information considered relevant for accountability in Philanthropic Institutions of Higher Education of Brazil (PIHEB). The study developed an analysis of a population of 146 entities that are drawn up by a cadastre in the National Council of Social Assistance (NCSA). Firstly, it developed the Index of Disclosure of the Institutions of Higher Education of Brazil (IDIHEB) measured by the qualitative characteristics of disclosure divided into four groups: (i) general view (ii) service performance (iii) financial performance, and (iv) physical and financial situation, developed and used in the study of Coy et al. (1993). Furthermore, with the use of the Delphi technique and having as basis, the study of Coy and Dixon (2004), the research captured stakeholders’ perception of what information they consider important for disclosure in relation to the PIHEB. The results revealed the existence of a gap between what the PIHEB discloses and what the participants of the Delphi technique consider important for the PIHEB to disclose. The research result also indicated that only less than 33% of PIHEB prepare voluntary disclosure; the majority prepares mandatory disclosure, showing that though few, the institutions are concerned about public accountability beyond legal requirements. 

Key words: Disclosure, philanthropic undergraduate institutions, accountability.