Introduction
Roads and Transport Authority or RTA is a governmental organization responsible for the implementation of traffic projects and the maintenance of the transport system in the Emirate of Dubai and within the country as well. It is liable for the transportation system planning including all the means of short and long-distance traveling (“Explore RTA” par. 2). RTA provides assistance to ensure advanced traffic services and efficient road modernization. Apart from that, the organization offers additional services such as vehicle or driver licensing, fine payment, and parking reservations.
Customers and Goals of the Authority
It should be noted that the external customers are all the population groups that use any kinds of transportation services. Overall, all commuters, drivers, and individuals facing the transport system represent the main customer groups. Importantly, the aim of RTA is to cater to all the populations inclusively and furnish such services that efficiently respond to the differentiated needs of the customers. The purpose of the authority is to facilitate an advanced transport network across the state and to execute the legislative and strategic initiatives proposed to enhance the Dubai and country’s infrastructure (“Explore RTA” par. 4). Moreover, the core of its activities is to provide transportation and traffic that is more safe and smooth. RTA strives for achieving its mission and vision in terms of integrated transport networks throughout the state and the neighboring countries as well.
External Factors Influencing RTA’s Performance
The four external factors that influence the organization’s performance the most in both positive and negative ways are legal-political, economic, social, and technological aspects. In terms of the legal-political factors, RTA is responsible for the transport and traffic supervision not only in Dubai but also across the country and its neighbors; therefore, some of the difficulties are connected to the differences in legislation. In particular, seven Emirates have their particular management system, which poses the possibility of contradictions in decision-making. The economic factors have a positive impact on RTA’s performance since Dubai and the state, in general, have a high GDP and high investment rates; therefore, the initiatives proposed by the government can be supported and implemented by the authority effectively.
Nevertheless, social factors have both positive and negative consequences for business activities. To be more precise, on the one hand, the residents of the city have quite a high standard of living, which is a staid aspect; on the other hand, globalization processes that lead to an increase in the cultural diversity including individuals with various backgrounds result in the difference in the financial statuses. It should be noted that not all customer groups are able to use the organization’s services in the same way as Dubai residents do. Nonetheless, the technological variable affects the organization in a positive way as it contributes to the effective application of the proposed measures and initiatives in terms of traffic safety and efficiency.
Structure and Functions
RTA consists of six departments each of which is assigned with particular responsibilities. The main units are (“Roads and Transport Authority” par. 2):
- Public Transport Agency
- Rail Agency
- Marine Agency
- Dubai Taxi
- Traffic and Roads Agency
- Licensing Agency
The four key functions of the organization can be defined as follows:
- The operations function
- The maintenance function
- The finance function
- The Human Resources function.
For instance, the activities of Rail Agency include liability for rail franchising, management of budgets, centralization of functional relationships along with the units, and collaborative working practices. Notably, RTA is divided into discrete functional lines as mentioned above (“Roads and Transport Authority” par. 2). In particular, they collaborate under the supervision of line management (Martin and Whiting 133). Each manager drives bonds for communication between the functions (internal practices). Also, leadership promotes collaboration with external stakeholders. HR management enables agreed strategies and encourages the delivery of information. Moreover, it ensures that HR policies are followed thoroughly throughout RTA’s business units.
Culture and Its Influence on the Organization
The organizational culture of RTA is customer-oriented. Firstly, it aims at establishing and implementing such practices that are up-to-date and effective and responsive to the clients’ needs for safe and convenient transportation (“Explore RTA” par. 1). Secondly, it strives for furnishing integrated traffic and transport solutions that are inclusive of all the population groups. The customer-oriented approach enables RTA to become an organization that reverts the time spent on traveling into a positive experience.
Conclusion
Thus, the Roads and Transport Authority is an organization that aims to ensure the population of Dubai and UAE receives such transportation services that are safe, quick, and reliable. It furnishes services regarding all the major mobility means and facilitates high-quality, innovative solutions that comply with the governmental guidelines and initiatives. Overall, RTA does its best to enhance the sector’s potential and attractiveness.
Works Cited
“Explore RTA.” RTA, Web.
Martin, Malcolm, and Fiona Whiting. Human Resource Practice. 7th ed., Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, 2016.
“Roads and Transport Authority.” Dubai, Web.