VDOT Is Moving in a New Direction: How Virginia’s Department of Transportation Is Using Strategic Management To Revamp Its Entire Operation

Abstract

Leaders within Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) realized that the department would not be able to meet future challenges if it relied only on tactical responsiveness. VDOT embarked on a strategic management effort focused on shifting the organization’s culture to strategic thinking and customer responsiveness. The change effort began by drafting a new organizational vision, using purpose, mission, and values statements as guidelines for thinking strategically and meeting organizational goals. VDOT determined critical success factors and established performance measures to monitor these factors. Through a rigorous strategic planning process, leadership established overall departmental goals. VDOT leadership created organizational alignment by implementing this process throughout its field locations. The result of this effort is a proactive, customer-focused organization with a culture for thinking strategically, acting locally, and performing at improved heights.