A RACI MATRIX: What Does that Even Mean?

Consultations with stakeholders can help clarify roles, responsibilities and authority levels of the players involved in the project, as would be defined in the RACI matrix

A RACI matrix, also known as Responsibility Assignment Matrix is a very powerful tool used to ensure that roles and processes in a company are well aligned. As you go through the various process steps (or activity), it enables you assign responsibilities to all the roles involved. It provides understanding about how to relate with personnel with respect to the various processes in the flow.

A discussion about roles and responsibility can help facilitate stakeholder understanding of various roles and responsibilities, as well as how the Project Manager should relate with them in the light of these definitions.

Am sure at this point, you can clearly see how this would make the work proceed much more smoothly.

The common name for the RAM is RACI matrix, because it considers who should be:

1.       Responsible (R)

2.      Accountable (A)

3.      Consulted (C)

4.      Informed (I)

RACI CHARTS – So What Does the Letters Really Mean?

Like earlier stated, the RACI matrix is a diagram which is used to describe the responsibilities of various roles in project tasks or deliverables. It's an abbreviation for:

Responsible: Those who are responsible for the implementation of the task and achievement of the deliverable. There is commonly one role with a participation type of responsible, although others can be delegated to assist in the work that is required

Accountable (also known as: Final Approving Authority or Approver): There can only be one person who is ultimately accountable for the correct and thorough completion of each task or deliverable. The Accountable is the person who must sign off (Approve) on the work that the Responsible provides. Therefore, the Responsible is accountable to him/her.

Consulted (sometimes Counsel): Those whose opinions are required, and with whom there is two-way communication.

Informed: those who are kept up-to-date about the decisions on the development, achievements of the task or deliverable; this is only one-way communication.

Due to its structure, it’s very common to make a RACI in Excel. Try it also on the job. It sure would make it simpler and much more easily manageable.