Agency (sociology) definition

(1) How a result is obtained or an end is achieved

"A means of control"

"An example is the best agency of instruction"

"The true way to success"

(2) A business that serves other businesses

(3) An administrative unit of government

"The Central Intelligence Agency"

"The Census Bureau"

"Office of Management and Budget"

"Tennessee Valley Authority"

(4) The state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent

(5) The state of being in action or exerting power

"The agency of providence"

"She has free agency"