This study aims to identify strategies for the legitimacy of Suchman's typology (1995) disclosed in the management reports of Brazilian state companies with open capital in the electric energy sector. Inquiry using qualitative approach was done through desk research, with analysis of content. The survey results show the presence of the four categories of legitimacy, and 556 references disclose these legitimacy strategies. The most emphasized strategy was the pragmatic one, having 206 references, followed by the cognitive strategy, with 175 references, then the general legitimacy, with 89 references, and, finally, the moral, featuring 86 references. It was concluded guided by the disclosure that the companies surveyed are in the maintenance stage of legitimacy, working hard to gain legitimation.
legitimacy strategies; management reports; public companies
