How is a cost-benefit analysis different in the public and private sectors?

Cost-benefit analysis differs between the public and private sectors primarily because the goals of the two sectors are different. In the public sector, decisions are generally evaluated in terms of the general welfare of the population, including social value, public health, safety, infrastructure, education, and broader community outcomes. In the private sector, cost-benefit analysis is usually more focused on profitability, financial return, efficiency, and shareholder value. While both sectors consider costs and benefits, the definition of “benefit” often changes depending on the mission of the organization. Public-sector benefits may include social improvements that do not generate direct profit, whereas private-sector benefits are often measured through revenue, cost savings, or market performance. The other options are too narrow or incorrect because they suggest one-sided attention to only cost or only benefits. Therefore, the best answer is that the public sector usually focuses on the general welfare of the population, whereas the private sector usually focuses on profits.