A RACI matrix is a simple, effective tool for managing roles and responsibilities during a project, ensuring that every task, milestone, or decision has an owner. “RACI” is an acronym that stands for the four roles that stakeholders might play in any project:
- Responsible: This is the individual or role who performs the task. They are in charge of action and execution. There can be multiple individuals responsible for a task.
- Accountable (also known as Approver): This is the individual or role who is ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the task. This person must approve the work that the responsible individual provides. There should be only one person accountable, which means that “the buck stops there.”
- Consulted: These are the people who need to give input before the work can be done and approved. They’re often subject matter experts. The communication with this group is two-way.
- Informed: These people need to be kept “in the loop” on progress and decisions, but they do not need to be formally consulted, nor do they contribute directly to the task or decision. The communication with this group is one-way.
A RACI matrix is typically a chart with tasks listed along the left and roles or individuals listed along the top. The applicable RACI roles are placed in the cells where the task and role intersect. This helps clarify roles and responsibilities in cross-functional/departmental projects and processes. The RACI model brings structure and clarity to describing everyone’s roles and responsibilities in relation to each task, milestone, or deliverable in a project.
