The correct answer is "reference group".
Reference groups are described as a group to which an individual or some other organization is in comparison. Sociologists name any organization that people use as a general for evaluating themselves and their personal conduct a reference institution. Reference companies are used so one can compare and determine the nature of a given character or different organization's characteristics and sociological attributes. it is the institution to which the man or woman relates or aspires to relate himself or herself psychologically