An institution is a structure of rules and norms that humans create to shape social behavior
. Institutions can be formal or informal and entail some level of persistence
. Examples of institutions include laws, rules, social conventions, and norms
. Definitions of the term institution vary in levels of formality and organizational complexity
. The most expansive definitions can include informal practices, such as handshakes, whereas the narrowest definitions include only highly formalized institutions with specified laws, rules, and complex organizational structures
. Institutions can also be:
- A large and important organization like a university or bank
- A custom or system that is an important feature of a particular society or group
- A social structure where people cooperate, influencing behavior and the way of life
