Descriptive Standards

Descriptive standards are guidelines that define existing practices, products, or services as they currently are. They serve to clearly document what is typical or common in an industry or field, providing a reference point for consistency and quality. Unlike prescriptive standards, which specify how things should be done, descriptive standards describe how things are done naturally. They help organizations understand current practices, compare performance, and identify opportunities for improvement or innovation. Essentially, they provide an accurate snapshot of existing conditions without imposing specific rules or requirements.