Public Administration & Private Administration

Public administration is different from private administration in many ways.

Public administration is bureaucratic, political and characterised by red-tape, while the private administration is governed by business mind, free from political interference and without red-tapism.
Public Administration is subject to political direction and control. This is the primary distinction between the two. Government administration is public in nature and is subject to public scrutiny and outcry. Administration of private businesses is free from it.
Public administration is regulated by laws, regulations and people’s representatives through legal bodies. It works on the principle of public welfare and responsible to the legislative bodies.
The absence of profit motive from the Public administration is another feature, which distinguishes it from the private administration. The primary purpose of governmental organisation is to provide services to the people and promote social good.
Public administration operates within a legal framework. It is rule oriented. The responsibilities of public administrators are fixed by a set of constitutional practices, laws and regulations. Government officials are obliged to act within their legal powers and not outside the law. Private administration is subject to operate within confidential and restricted corporate framework.
Public accountability is the hallmark of Public administration in a democracy. Public administration is responsible to the public, though not directly but indirectly through political executive, legislature, judiciary, etc.
Due to varied responsibilities, lack of effective control, less accountability, involvement of a large number of levels and job security of employees, efficiency is much lower than the private organisations.