Understanding the Private Sector: Definitions and Examples

What Is the Private Sector?

The private sector is the part of the economy run by individuals and companies for profit and is not state-controlled. Therefore, it encompasses all for-profit businesses not owned or operated by the government, ranging from sole proprietorships to multinational companies. Private sector businesses tend to flourish more in capitalist and free-market economies because they are not subjected to the same level of government oversight and control as in other types of economies.

How the Private Sector Operates

The private sector is the part of the economy that private individuals or businesses own and run. The private sector has a goal of making money and employs more workers than the public sector.

A private-sector business starts as a new company or by turning a public one private. A large private-sector corporation may be privately or publicly traded. Private-sector businesses compete for customers by lowering prices, as people tend to prefer cheaper options.

In free economies, the private sector is large, unlike in countries with more government control, where the public sector is bigger. For example, the United States has a strong private sector because it has a free economy, while China, where the state controls many of its corporations, has a larger public sector.

Different Types of Businesses in the Private Sector

The private sector is very diverse and makes up a big part of many economies. It is based on many different individuals, partnerships, and groups. The private sector includes:

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Small and midsize businesses
• Large corporations and multinationals
• Professional and trade associations
• Trade unions

Although not directly controlled by the government, the private sector is legally regulated by it. Any business or corporate entity must operate under the laws of the country it is based in.

Comparing the Private and Public Sectors

The private sector employs workers through individual business owners, corporations, or other nongovernment agencies. Jobs include those in manufacturing, financial services, professions, hospitality, or other nongovernment positions. Workers are paid with part of the company's revenues.

Private-sector workers tend to have more pay increases, more career choices, greater opportunities for promotions, less job security, and less comprehensive benefit plans than public-sector workers. Working in a more competitive marketplace often means longer hours in a more demanding environment than working for the government.

The federal, state, or local government employs workers in the public sector. Typical civil service jobs include those in healthcare, teaching, emergency services, the armed forces, and various regulatory and administrative agencies.

Public sector workers are paid with government tax revenue. Public-sector workers usually have better benefits and job security. After probation, many government jobs become permanent.

Moving among public-sector positions while retaining the same benefits, holiday entitlements, and sick pay is relatively easy, while receiving pay increases and promotions is difficult. Working with a public agency provides a more stable work environment free of market pressures, unlike working in the private sector.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks and reports both private and public employment in the United States.

Collaborations Between Private and Public Sectors

The private and public sectors sometimes work together while promoting common interests. Private-sector businesses leverage governmental assets and resources while developing, financing, owning, and operating public facilities or services. For example, a private company might pay a state a one-time fee to operate a specific length of freeway for a set time in exchange for revenue from tolls.

The Bottom Line

The private sector is part of an economy that is not run by a government. It comprises businesses and enterprises controlled by private individuals and groups for the purpose of generating revenue and turning a profit.

The private sector creates most job opportunities and drives economic growth more than the public sector. However, private sector businesses can partner with the public sector to create jobs and drive growth.