Los Angeles Times · 4 Sep, 10:01 · Business briefing

Column: Who would want the U.S. to be run like a business?

A recent Los Angeles Times column questions the prevailing trend of applying corporate management principles to public governance.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent Los Angeles Times column questions the prevailing trend of applying corporate management principles to public governance. The article critiques the assumption that government should operate with the same efficiency and profit-driven logic as private enterprises. It highlights potential conflicts between commercial objectives and public service mandates, suggesting that such comparisons may oversimplify complex societal needs. For professionals, this debate underscores the distinct operational frameworks of the public and private sectors, challenging the universal applicability of business-centric leadership models in civic administration.

Employer demand for Public Administration skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This debate signals a shift in how public sector roles are perceived, elevating the value of governance expertise over pure corporate strategy. You should prioritise understanding regulatory frameworks and public interest ethics, as these become critical differentiators. Professionals in policy, law, and administration must refine their ability to navigate non-profit motives. Smart movers will upskill in compliance and public administration, ensuring they can articulate the unique value of civic service. Focus on roles that require nuanced stakeholder management rather than bottom-line optimisation. This is your cue to distinguish yourself through specialised knowledge in public sector dynamics.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Public Administration, Compliance And Governance, Business And Management and Leadership — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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