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The False Promise of Running Government Like a Business

While this may sound appealing, the reality is far more complex. Treating government like a corporation isn’t just impractical—it's a fundamentally flawed approach. Here’s why.

Libby Winkler
4 min read4 days ago
Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash

The False Promise of Running Government Like a Business

The same claim resurfaces every election season: “Government should operate like a business.” Advocates of this idea argue that businesses are efficient, customer-focused, and results-driven—qualities they believe would make government more effective.

While this may sound appealing, the reality is far more complex. Treating government like a corporation isn’t just impractical—it's a fundamentally flawed approach. Here’s why.

Government Serves People, Not Profits

At their core, businesses and governments exist for entirely different reasons. Companies operate to maximize profits for shareholders, while governments exist to serve the public, uphold rights, and provide essential services—often to individuals who would never be considered “profitable customers.” If financial efficiency were prioritized above all else, crucial programs like Social…

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Libby Winkler
Libby Winkler

Written by Libby Winkler

Freelance writer who loves exploring the messiness of humanity, while poking around in nooks of life and shining light on all the things that make us complex..

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