Difference Between Public vs Private Sector
The government authorities plan a nation. However, they cannot accomplish the task of nation-building unaided. As a result, many countries now turn to private citizens to play an integral role in nation-building. In clear terms, the government and ordinary citizens come together to fashion out modalities of taking their countries to enviable heights.
This collaboration has led to the closeup of the gap between the key landscapes that drive the economy. Consequently, people want to learn more about the difference between private sector and public sector. Without mincing words, they are the two segments that stimulate the economy of every nation. In this article, you will learn it all.
Definition of Public Sector
The public sector comprises all the organizations that administrative authorities established and run to better the lots of their own people. However, the functions of these organizations vary depending on the style of governance in the state or country.
In many instances, the establishments have power distributed among the separate offices. The sole goal of this branch of the economy is to serve the people of the state or country. As a result, the revenue generated from their activities is used to improve the lots of the citizens.
In summary, the authorities have total control over the daily running of production and other related activities. They also make major decisions and take minimal risks. To better grasp the public sector vs private sector subject, one has to understand the latter very well.
Definition of Private Sector
The private sector is defined as a group of companies owned by citizens. These citizens could be wealthy and ordinary people. They determine how to run these ventures and generate income from them. This branch of the economy has its role in nation-building because it creates jobs, pays taxes, executes social corporate responsibility, etc.
In some countries, they take a larger percentage of operations, giving lesser room for state-run activities. However, there are situations where such organizations share ownership and operation with the administrative authorities.
Since these individuals are allowed to form a productive organization, they can dominate a particular segment of the economy. This creates market competition and helps to regulate prices. Still, the authorities might stand as a price regulator if there are no good competitions to maintain the right prices.
Main Differences Between Public vs Private Sector
The table shows the difference between public and private sector.
| Basis of Comparison | Public Sector | Private Sector |
| Definition | This is a segment of the economy that the government runs | These are establishments and organizations that individuals own and run in a state or country |
| Objective | For Social and economic benefits | Mainly for profit-making |
| Operational ease | Organizations under this segment experience a greater level of ease and accessibility to state support | Firms that operate in this landscape do not enjoy a high level of ease |
| Government intervention | There is full control | Less interference. Government involvement is usually in price regulations and taxes. |
| Market competition | There is no rivalry since the aim is to serve the citizens. | There is fierce rivalry among the producers whose aim is rake in profits |
| Sources of fund | While individuals may get involved in its funding, it is the sole responsibility of the authorities | Funds come from owners’ personal savings and other sources. In a rare or critical situation, the authorities may support |
| Areas of interest | The interest is usually in education, food production, health, power, etc. | Construction, banking, transportation, etc |
Difference Between Public and Private Sector: Conclusion
This debate on private vs public sector is interesting as it affects everyday life. In summary, the main disparity between them is that ordinary citizens own and run the former while the authorities administer the latter.
However, there are occasions where they are jointedly owned and run. That said, private citizens are leveraging innovation to reposition many countries. On the other hand, the public space creates an avenue for citizens to thrive.
People are free to work in either of them. More often than not, working for the state has huge benefits like salaries, pension, gratuity, etc. That is not always the case when working for individual companies.
