O relatório integrado

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the origin, benefits, barriers and application of a new concept on corporate reporting: Integrated Reporting (<IR>). Research by “The International Integrated Reporting Council” (IIRC) was crucial for this work, as well as two studies analysed: “Basis for conclusions” from IIRC and “Realizing the benefits” from Black Sun (2014). The first had a sample of 359 public submissions on the “Consultation Draft of the International <IR> Framework”. The second had a sample of 66 companies based on 23 questions and 29 interviews to seek evidence of changes and benefits of adopting <IR>. “The International <IR> Framework” was published in December 2013, it represents years of research and pilot programmes. Its principles-based approach allows flexibility and gives the foundations to adapt to different realities, but as the same time guarantees comparability between reports. Factors, such as the advances in technology, globalization, interdependencies in economies, availability of resources and excess of information, increase pressure on financial reporting. It is no longer an obligation but a strategic tool to keep pace with global changes. <IR> answers these requirements, and because it is so recent, more studies and divulgation are needed in Portugal. Results revealed benefits of <IR> for: stakeholders, management, decision making and understanding value creation. We have analysed BASF’s 2013 financial report - an example for it is a leader in financial reporting, winning several awards - to demonstrate <IR>’s benefits. In Portugal, the <IR> is suggested for SONAE because it is one of the largest Portuguese companies and the most likely to be interested in joining global financial reporting evolution.

Date of Award	27 Mar 2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Paulo Alves (Supervisor)