A RACI matrix is a simple, effective means for defining roles and responsibilities, providing a comprehensive chart of who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed every step of the way.

In execution (In a project, when solving a complaint, or simply executing a task) there is always one critical success factor (CSF) that has either been effectively addressed or missed/messed up: Clarity around the roles and responsibilities for each participant and key stakeholder. No matter how detailed and complete a plan, activity or task may be; confusion or omission of participant roles and responsibilities will cause major problems.

The simplest and most effective approach to define and document roles and responsibilities is the RACI model. Integrating the RACI model into an organization’s life creates a powerful synergy that enhances and improves outcomes.

The RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment method that maps out every task, milestone or key decision involved in completing something and assigns which roles are Responsible for each action item, which personnel are Accountable, and, where appropriate, who needs to be Consulted or Informed. The acronym RACI stands for the four roles that stakeholders might play in any project.

Most of the time there is no shared understanding of participant roles and responsibilities, nor is there explicit documentation to support it. Establishing such a consensus by employing the RACI model almost always gets a stuck project moving again and enables the key stakeholders to readily deal with the other issues that require resolution.

RACI matrix rules and roles

The RACI model brings structure and clarity to describing the roles that stakeholders play. The RACI matrix clarifies responsibilities and ensures that everything the needs to be done is assigned to someone.

The four roles that stakeholders might play include the following:

Responsible: People or stakeholders who do the work. They must complete the task or objective or make the decision. Several people can be jointly Responsible.

Accountable: Person or stakeholder who is the “owner” of the work. He or she is in charge and must sign off or approve when the task, objective or decision is complete. This person must make sure that responsibilities are assigned in the matrix for all related activities. Success requires that there is only one person Accountable, which means that “the buck stops there.”

Consulted: People or stakeholders who need to give input before the work can be done and signed-off on. These people are “in the loop” and active participants.

Informed: People or stakeholders who need to be keep “in the picture.” They need updates on progress or decisions, but they do not need to be formally consulted, nor do they contribute directly to the task or decision.

A RACI matrix is a great way to organize work and to achieve effective execution. 

Are you using RACI matrix to streamline your work and create sustainable execution?

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