TABLE OF CONTENTS 
In order to analyse and understand the behaviour of organizations in the recreation, leisure and tourism sector, we need to be able to clarify their aims and objectives. An important initial question is whether the organization is in the private sector or government run. For most private sector organizations such as The Walt Disney Corporation, profits are the main objective. On the other hand Tourism Concern is a not-for-profit organization and exists to encourage ethical and sustainable tourism. Organizations run by government were traditionally set up to provide services such as parks, museums and swimming pools that were desirable but not commercially profitable. But the attitudes to the extent of government provision and provision of subsidies varies across countries according to which party holds political power.
By studying this chapter students should be able to:
distinguish between private sector and public sector organizations,
understand the differences in finance, control, structure and objectives of organizations,
understand ways in which capital can be raised,
analyse movements in share prices,
analyse the effects of different organizational structures on organizational behaviour.
Public sector organizations are those owned by the government. This can be national government or local government.
Leisure and tourism provision in the local government sector may include:
leisure centres and swimming pools,
libraries,
arts centres,
parks and recreation facilities,
tourism...
