Construction of Social Reality

Institutions are defined as structures or mechanisms of social order and cooperation governing the behavior of a set of individuals. What does this all mean? Basically its the mother-ship for group of people who are set out to accomplish a purpose/ ensure continuity for what they are doing (construction of social reality). Institutions include everything from universities to religion centers for practice. The challenges posed are: Who governs these institutions? Are the initial intentions of the institutions continued to be carried through over time? What makes an institution successful- development and progression of new ways of thought or continuity of actions and philosophy. What is the affect of the institution on an individual's growth? 

Just some thoughts I've been thinking about....