Discussion Question 1

What distinguishes a public organization from a private organization?

Drawing on the review of organizational theory in Unit 1, is there a particular theory that fits public and hybrid organizations better than others?

Using the criteria from the theory you identified, cite examples of the following.

• a clearly public organization.

• a clearly private organization.

• an organization that is a combination of private and public (hybrid).

One option would be to consider the recent events regarding government bailouts of financial institutions and how private firms have moved toward the hybrid model.