What is the primary purpose of the Consistency Doctrine in accounting?

The primary purpose of the Consistency Doctrine in accounting is to ensure that the same accounting methods and principles are applied over time. This approach provides a stable and reliable foundation for financial statements, enabling users—such as investors, creditors, and management—to make meaningful comparisons across different periods. Consistent application of accounting policies helps to enhance the transparency and comparability of financial reports, which is crucial for stakeholders who rely on accurate financial information to make informed decisions.

By maintaining consistency, businesses can more effectively track their performance and trends over time, which aids in assessing financial health and making strategic decisions. If a company were to frequently change its accounting methods, it could obscure the true financial situation and make it difficult for stakeholders to ascertain whether changes in financial results were due to actual changes in the company’s performance or simply due to changes in accounting practices.