At first, this accounting theory is normative, and therefore descriptive, as it prescribes what should be done and how. The theory is used to “evaluate the practice [...]” and “it can be used to develop new procedures”. Other authors consider that accounting theory "tries to explain the practice in a specific time or to rationalize the use of specific procedures" (Hendriksen, 1970), a point of view that is conducive to transparency and accountability.