What are Non-Economic Activities? Full Guide for Beginners!

It is all about distinction when it comes to activities, whether economic or non-economic. Let us classify activities based on regular scenarios and monetary involvement. In commerce studies, you learn about activities that are essential to support GDP and contribute to social welfare.

What are non-economic activities? Read the article to learn the characteristics of non-economic activities, identify them, and learn from real-life examples. Furthermore, you can also develop a deeper insight once you read the comparison between economic and non-economic activities.

Meaning of Non-Economic Activities

Let us define non-economic activities where you perform an action for social service or personal satisfaction instead of earning money. The emotional reasons that influence these types of actions are devotion, love, and sympathy. Instead of business correspondence, it is more about personal attachment.

With these activities, you get to spend time with friends, family, participate in religious and cultural functions, volunteer for services, and help neighbours without expecting anything in return. This is how you will get social, psychological, and emotional satisfaction because it is not measured in terms of profit or money.

Characteristics of Non-Economic Activities

Now that we know the meaning of non-economic activities, let us learn more about their characteristics. There are different types of decisions to be made when performing such activities. 

You will develop a better understanding of non-economic growth once these characteristics are defined. The following characteristics will give you a better idea of the different aspects of non-economic activities:

Self-Satisfaction

The activities that you perform to satisfy solely your own desires without any expectations of money. For example, cooking for your family.

Obligatory

The activities that you do as a matter of obligation towards someone or in compliance with a social norm, without generating any monetary gain. For example, taking your friend’s dog for a walk because they are sick.

Another example is offering different types of equity is about using resources to satisfy specific circumstances. What is Equity? Ensuring everyone has fair access to these resources so if you ensure this, it falls under this category.

No Financial Compensation

When you are engaging in an activity to serve others, either individually or with others. These activities are either done for an obligatory purpose or to entertain others without receiving any money. For example, cleaning a park used by everyone in the neighborhood, or singing at a community fair.

Step-by-Step Approach: Identifying Activities

If you are wondering about identifying non-economic activities, here is a step-by-step guide. You will learn how you can effectively identify the activities:

• You have to check the motive based on which the activity is performed
• Then you have to look at the compensation, is the person is getting paid or not.
• If you see that they are not getting paid for the work they have done, then evaluate the outcome.
• When you learn that the activity is based on personal satisfaction, you can classify it as a non-economic activity.

Real-Life Comparison: Economic Vs. Non-Economic Activities

If you compare the two types of activities, economic and non-economic, you will see how one is for financial gain while the other is for personal gain. These activities are interrelated to utility, contributing to overall growth and development.

 The distinction between the two activities will highlight the human motivation, along with the impact these activities will have on the financial well-being of the individual and the nation.

Economic Activity	Non-Economic Activity
You cook in a restaurant to make a profit	You cook dinner for your family
You teach in a school to earn income	You are teaching your young sister
You drive a car in exchange for a fare	You are driving old and handicapped people to hospitals on the weekend
You offer medical services for fees	You are volunteering at the shelter

 

Non-Economic Activities: Personal and Positive!

So, the main motive of non-economic activities is to get social and personal satisfaction. The activities are not measured in money, and neither do they contribute to the GDP. In conclusion, it basically includes family care, social support, charity, and performing hobbies.

Read More

• What is Entrepreneurship?
• What are Equity Shares?
• Functions of Management
• What is Partnership?
• Bureaucracy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a non-economic activity become economic?

Yes, a non-economic activity can easily become economic if you charge money for the same activity that you were doing for love. For example, cooking food and charging from clients instead of feeding it to your family or partner.

Are non-economic activities measurable?

No, you cannot measure non-economic activities because it is not monetary-based. Considering there are no financial transactions and no contribution is made to the GDP, it's not measurable.

Are non-economic activities considered work?

Even though it is non-paid, non-economic activities are considered work. Even though these activities do not generate any income, they require effort, emotional investment, and time.

Do non-economic activities impact the economy?

Indirectly, non-economic activities are impacting the economy as they support the societal functions, allowing activities to thrive. So, basically, the community and society are supported with these activities.

How can students learn more about non-economic activities?

As students, you can learn more about non-economic activities examples from educational websites, social studies, and economic textbooks. Furthermore, case studies and real-life observation also help.