Final answer:
The statement is true. Both governmental and not-for-profit organizations are characterized by having objectives that are not focused on generating profit but on providing services for the public good or fulfilling a specific charitable, educational, or religious mission. The correct option is A. True
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a characteristic common to governmental and not-for-profit organizations is that their operating purposes are other than to provide goods or services at a profit or profit equivalent is true. Organizations such as non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and public interest groups typically have objectives that extend beyond profit generation. Instead, they focus on providing charitable, educational, religious, or public services that are not intended to result in financial gain for distribution to owners or stakeholders.
Non-profit organizations, for instance, may include welfare groups, churches, hospitals, schools, museums, and civic organizations. These entities provide goods and services to improve aspects of the community, like education or health. They may generate revenue, but any surplus is used to further their mission rather than distributed as profit.
Similarly, government agencies can provide collective goods that offer benefits to the public at large, such as public safety, education, and environmental protection. These goods and services might not be profitable for private enterprises to offer and therefore can be provided by government organizations.
The correct option is A. True