Irregularities in the execution of public resources to combat Aedes aegypti in Brazilian states: analysis of managers’ justifications based on the attribution theory

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the justifications presented by managers operating at the state level in Brazil for irregularities observed in the execution of federal resources destined to combat Aedes aegypti. According to the attribution theory, individuals allocate causes perceived for events based on their knowledge, beliefs, and personal motivations. The theory was used to analyze 27 reports on the inspections carried out within the scope of the Inspection Program in Federative Entities (IPFE) during 2016 in the 26 Brazilian states and the federal district. The attribution theory was adopted to analyze 27 reports on the inspections carried out within the scope of the Inspection Program in Federative Entities (IPFE) during 2016 in the 26 Brazilian states and the federal district. The reports were examined through content analysis, descriptive statistics, and the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed the frequent occurrence of irregularities classified in the categories performance, infrastructure, and public procurement and contracts. Furthermore, regardless of the type of irregularity observed, the state managers’ justification tends to point to external causes, especially if the irregularity is associated with corruption. This behavior occurs regardless of the state managers’ performance. These results indicate that managers’ self-serving bias concerning irregularities can be a challenge to achieve the objectives of the Aedes aegypti mosquito control program since internal factors affecting the program’s outcomes are not highlighted.

Keywords:
Attribution Theory; Impression Management; Aedes aegypti; Irregularities; Public Resources