Privatization is the process of transferring ownership of state-owned assets and services to private businesses. This involves selling shares and assets to private business owners. Advocates of privatization argue that private ownership leads to more efficient operation than the public sector. In the UK, many public sectors underwent privatization during the 1980s and 1990s. However, critics of privatization claim that private companies often exploit state monopolies and operate without government restrictions. They may prioritize profits over public service, which can lead to reduced quality and accessibility of services.
Advantages of Privatization
Effective improvement
In privatization, companies must work very effectively to make the maximum profit. In government-occupied companies, the owners and the employees have no authority to enjoy the profit. However, private companies can enjoy the gains in the form of development and higher salaries.
Politically free
Private companies are free from political pressure. They can work independently without bothering with the different government agendas or peer pressure to work too well for the current party. They can fire anyone who doesn’t follow company policies.
Shorter period
An individual should not worry about working too much for a more extended period because another government can make that business public. Then, the government would have to work for it except you.
Pressure from shareholders
Shareholders put a lot of pressure on the company, encouraging them to work out the best for it. The value of the shares will tell you about the position of a company. If the company’s share declines, the company will be sold to a powerful businessman or will end up with debts.
More competition
Privatization is more competitive than government-owned companies because private companies have many people in the market working on the same idea. One must perform better than the rest of the companies in a good organization with excellent views.
Raised revenue by the government
The government provides enough revenue as soon as your company works well. These revenues will help the firm develop more. But taking too much from the government will lead your company to become public-oriented.
Disadvantages of Privatization
Create own monopoly
They create a monopoly that includes a high rate of interest. They don’t have fixed prices. The government sets up a policy for the price that is applicable until the next budget. Private companies work in their interests. They don’t bother about their valuable consumers.
Lack of public interest
As mentioned before, they lack the interest of the common public. Private companies want to earn more to achieve more for their firm. Their main aim is to make the most of their sufficient resources and marketing strategies.
Loss of potential dividends
The government is unable to get the potential dividends. Instead, the prosperous businessmen enjoy the well-off shareholders.
The exploitation of industries
Private companies tend to destroy many companies in their market by several means. They emphasize the best, and this will eliminate many government sectors. One cannot blame them because they work for their development.
Short period
They are short-period businesses, meaning their hard work will be wasted. Their business is insecure, which means they lack sufficient safety. They will have to launch according to government policies and will have to end at any time.
Insecurity of employees
Employees are insecure in these companies because companies hire the best and want the maximum amount of work. They don’t bother about the financial and emotional security of the employees. Their main requirement is the ultimate work done in the least period.
Privatization can be a good thing sometimes, but it has certain flaws that must be focused on. There should be a balance between the government as well as public companies.