The Institutional Analysis and Development framework

The Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework is a tool used to understand how groups and organizations make decisions and manage shared resources. It examines the rules, norms, and structures—called institutions—that influence behavior in a particular setting, such as a community or workplace. By analyzing these institutions, the framework helps identify why certain outcomes occur, how different actors interact, and how to improve decision-making and resource management. Essentially, it provides a systematic way to study the complex social processes shaping collective actions and policies.