What is the Raci Matrix?
What is the RACI Matrix?
The RACI matrix is a model used for clarifying and defining roles in cross-functional teams.
RACI analysis is used to assign various levels of responsibility for a project to the various people charged with its implementation.
What does RACI stand for?
RACI is an acronym for the four levels of responsibilities recognised by the model:.
- R = Responsible
- A = Accountable
- C = Consulted
- I = Informed
It is important to note the above names are not denoting individual people or groups, they denote a set of responsibilities which may be performed by more than one person, and one person may have more than one RACI role.
Definitions of RACI roles
R = Responsible
Responsible means "Those people who are responsible for doing the physical work, in reality".
There must always be at least one person designated as "Responsible for doing the work in reality", because if there were nobody actually doing the work, then all the other roles have no value.
A = Accountable
Accountable means: The person who is ultimately responsible for the success (or not) of the project.
President Truman had a wooden sign on his desk which read, "The Buck Stops Here". It was an indication that he was accountable to the public for everything done, (or not done) by the administration he was leading.
For each task there must be only one accountable person specified.
C = Consulted
Consulted means: Expert people who have specialised knowledge or relevant experience and who provide advice to other members of the team.
I = Informed
Informed means: People who are not directly related to the work process, but who are stakeholders, and therefore need to be informed on progress, or sometimes only on completion of the task.
Assigning people to RACI roles
The RACI model is presented as a grid:
- Vertical axis: denotes the list of tasks, which shows how the major task is subdivided into its constituent subset tasks.
- Horizontal axis: denotes the job titles (and sometimes the names) of the participants.
- Grid boxes: The RACI roles are indicated in the grid boxes.
Template example of RACI matrix.
Each role in the RACI process should be allocated, because if a role is missing, the project will be regarded as poorly managed.
The person who is accountable is often, but not always, the person responsible for doing the work. Except for that case, there should ideally be only one RACI role allocated for each task. If there are multiple allocations of multiple RACI roles given to multiple people, then chaos will reign.
The purpose of the RACI roles method is to decide "who is doing what?", to formalise and communicate those decisions, for the purpose of eliminating the causes of confusion and therefore, to make the project more likely to succeed.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Leadership and Management
-
Five Common Management Mistakes
Many managers make mistakes in managing people. Perhaps they are poor at goal setting, or cannot delegate, or maybe lack sensitivity in dealing with others. Here are five common management mistakes which can be corrected with the right training.
Read Article > -
Effective Leadership
Effective Leadership - leadership training What are the definitions, examples and qualities of effective leadership? Definition of leadership: A leader is person who is able to create and sustain a clear vision for a better future and who is able to communicate that vision so as to inspire others to act...
Read Article > -
ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management Training And a Better Alternative
Discover the benefits of ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management training, and explore a time-efficient alternative with Corporate Coach Group’s two-day leadership course. Learn essential skills for faster leadership success.
Read Article > -
The Language of Leadership
Leaders use impactful language, conveying a bright vision, strategic plans, and inspiring motivation. Elevate leadership by speaking in visionary terms, refining strategic communication, and adopting optimistic language.
Read Article > -
How to Stop Micromanaging Your Team
Micromanagement is an easy trap to fall into. Find out how to avoid common pitfalls in this article from experienced management trainer Chris Farmer.
Read Article >
Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Leadership and Management Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 4 days, Online - Teams, places available