Institutional authority

Institutional authority refers to the power and credibility held by established organizations, such as universities, governments, and research institutions, to provide information, set standards, and make decisions based on their expertise and legitimacy. These institutions are recognized for their reliability and adherence to certain norms and procedures, which lend weight to their conclusions and recommendations. For example, a scientific study from a well-regarded university may be more trusted than a random blog post because the university has a reputation for rigorous research and academic integrity.