I'm just guessing here, but you haven't spent much time working with government folks.
You're right though, the reality actually is far less entertaining. While "by the book" really is the way it's done in the government industry, it is definitely not an exciting way to go about the day. It does, however, have high CYA value and helps ensure public employees don't misuse taxpayer dollars.
That last bit is the interesting part I wish more people believed -- almost every government employee I've known has been genuinely concerned that they use their budgets with extreme care, and that they get a high return for what they do spend.
You're right though, the reality actually is far less entertaining. While "by the book" really is the way it's done in the government industry, it is definitely not an exciting way to go about the day. It does, however, have high CYA value and helps ensure public employees don't misuse taxpayer dollars.
That last bit is the interesting part I wish more people believed -- almost every government employee I've known has been genuinely concerned that they use their budgets with extreme care, and that they get a high return for what they do spend.