CO-PRODUCTION OF PUBLIC GOODS OR CHARITY?

CONCEPTUAL AND COMPARATIVE ASPECTS

Abstract

This essay discusses the fundamental characteristics of the co-production of public goods and services and charity, given the initial difficulty in defining what constitutes a co-production relationship or a charitable act. The objective is to identify characteristics of these terms that help distinguish between them. An exploratory qualitative methodology was employed, involving a literature review of the main authors and documents on the subject. Finally, a substantial difference was observed between the concepts; although both offer benefits to the parties involved, each form of action is based on distinct principles and objectives.