What Are Institutions

摘要: The use of the term institution has become widespread in social sciences recent years, reflecting growth institutional economics and concept several other disciplines, including philosophy, sociology, politics, geography. a long history usage sciences, dating back at least to Giambattista Vico his Scienza Nuova 1725. However, even today, there is no unanimity definition this concept. Furthermore, endless disputes over definitions key terms such as organization have led some writers give up matters propose getting down somehow practical instead. But it not possible carry out any empirical or theoretical analysis how institutions organizations work without having adequate conception what an is. This paper proposes that those are acting haste; potentially consensual these possible, once we overcome few obstacles difficulties way. It also important avoid biases study institutions, where characteristics particular type overgeneralized set whole. outlines dangers with regard excessive relative stress on self-organization agent-insensitive institutions. draws insights from academic disciplines organized six sections. first three sections devoted understanding general terms. section explores meaning institution, convention, rule. second discusses issues concerning function they interact individual agents, their habits,