Definition of public service

The term "public service" refers to activities or services provided to the general population by government entities, non-profit organizations, or private sector companies with the primary aim of addressing community needs, promoting the public welfare, and fulfilling the social and economic responsibilities that society expects of them. The usage of the term "public service" can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States when reformers advocate for the establishment of civil service systems, which prioritized merit-based hiring and job security rather than political connections and patronage. The term emphasizes the importance of serving the public interest over individual interests and has since been adopted by many other countries worldwide. In summary, "public service" causes the audience to envision tasks beyond revenue generation, as it highlights the importance of fulfilling social and economic duties with a focus on public accountability.