What characterizes the Public (or State) Sector?

The public (or state) sector is primarily characterized by organizations that are operated and funded by the government. This sector is responsible for providing services and goods that benefit the public, such as education, healthcare, public transportation, and infrastructure. The government utilizes taxpayer money to finance these services, ensuring they are available to the general population, often with an emphasis on accessibility and equity rather than profit.

In contrast, organizations funded by private investors typically fall within the private sector, where the focus is on generating profit. For-profit entities that offer public services are also part of the private sector, as they operate on a business model aimed at making a profit rather than solely serving public interest. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), while they may provide invaluable services and advocacy, operate independently of government funding and oversight, categorizing them distinctly from the public sector. Thus, the defining characteristic of the public sector is its role as a service provider run by the government, funded by public resources.