Should a government department be run like a business?

“Run the department like it’s a business.”

This is a statement often thrown around by business experts and government commentators. I could never see how that would work.

Leaving sole traders aside, there are many similarities between private sector businesses and government departments and agencies.

Both employ people. Both have hierarchies. There will be a person in charge – a CEO or Secretary or owner or executive director. There will be executive meetings and team meetings. In these meetings plans will be developed and decisions made.