How does federal bureaucracy differ from private corporations?

Answer 1

Both organizations are about self-preservation (don't be fooled into thinking it's anything more). The question then becomes, what do these entities do for self preservation?

For corporations, it's about making money. For Federal bureaucracies, it's about continuing to have people that need you or that draw on the programs you support.

Answer 2

Private corporations work on a profit margin. Government works on a spend margin.

Answer 3

Corporations are more efficient & predictable, since they have a clear and measurable goal of making profit.

Goals of Government bureaucracts are less efficient, since their performance is very hard to measure.