responsibility assignment matrix raci

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Key takeaways

Successful project management depends on a team-wide understanding of roles and responsibilities. Using a RACI matrix to assign and define each role is a great way to keep a project on track and positioned for success.

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How Does a RACI Chart Help Project Managers?

Project managers use RACI charts to keep track of team roles and relay those responsibilities to the larger team. The matrix defines clear roles and responsibilities for individual team members across the various phases of the project, breaking each role down into four types of designation: those who are Responsible and Accountable for project deliverables, those who should be Consulted as work begins, and stakeholders who need to be Informed of ongoing progress, roadblocks, and updates. 

Read more: Project Management Phases

RACI Matrix Definitions 

Responsible.

The individual(s) with responsibility for the task or deliverable is typically responsible for developing and completing the project deliverables themselves. The responsible parties are typically hands-on team members who make direct contributions toward the completion of the project. The responsible team is comprised of the project’s “doers”, working hands-on to ensure that each deliverable is completed. 

Some examples of responsible parties are:

• Project Managers
• Business Analysts
• Graphic Designers
• Copywriters

Accountable

Accountable parties ensure accountability to project deadlines, and ultimately, accountability to project completion. This group frequently also falls under the informed category.

Some examples of accountable parties are:

• Product Owners
• Signature Authorities
• Business Owners
• Key Stakeholders

Consulted individuals’ opinions are crucial, and their feedback needs to be considered at every step of the game. These individuals provide guidance that is often a prerequisite to other project tasks, for example, providing legal guidance on a project throughout the process. If you are working on new product development or expansion, this could essentially be the entire organization.

Some examples of consulted parties are:

• Legal Experts
• Information Security and Cybersecurity Experts
• Compliance Consultants

Informed persons are those that need to stay in the loop of communication throughout the project. These individuals do not have to be consulted or be a part of the decision-making, but they should be made aware of all project updates. Typically, this party are business owners or stakeholders that are more interested in viewing the project at a 30,000-foot view.  Keep this group on your cc list for awareness of topics, decisions, and progress – that includes making them part of the initial project kickoff and project demos as optional attendees. This group often also falls under the accountable group.

Some examples of informed parties are:

• Project Committee Members
• External Stakeholders

Read more: DACI vs RACI Model Guide

Why Are RACI Roles Important?

RACI roles provide a sense of organization and clarity for teams that are looking to divide roles and keep team members accountable for their contributions. Considering that 27% of projects go over budget, for reasons like scope creep and lack of defined roles, RACI roles help position a project for success and avoid common pitfalls. 

Moreover, RACI roles help ensure that communication between all roles is ongoing. When you consider that nearly half of all project spending is at risk of being wasted due to a lack of effective team-based communication, it becomes all that more important to prioritize. Ultimately, teams who prioritize communication and well-defined roles are better off, and RACI roles help teams achieve that goal faster – while providing accountability for each team member’s unique contributions to the success of the project. 

Read More: Top 10 Main Causes of Project Failure

How to Create a RACI Matrix 

If you’re looking to implement a RACI matrix as part of your team’s project planning process, take these steps to create a RACI matrix.

Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the project and its demands before outlining any further steps by communicating with key stakeholders and decision-makers.

Determine the list of key activities and deliverables from the director of program management or other leadership. 

Determine who is needed to be a part of the project or initiative.

Determine the project roles and responsible job titles and persons for each activity and deliverable.

Hold review sessions with key members of the team for alignment, and if you haven’t already, host a kickoff meeting with the entirety of the team and key stakeholders to unveil the matrix, address questions, and more. 

If the project has already started, it’s not too late to implement a RACI matrix.

• Outline the story. Using research from multiple sources, do a, b, c, and d.
• Utilize steps 2 and 3 (shown above). Ensure the right groups are assigned and engaged. 
• Hold a review session. Ensure that the team acknowledges and discusses the plan and the roles assigned.

Read more: 8 Factors That Lead to Successful Projec ts

Examples of a RACI Matrix

As shown above, a RACI matrix helps break down what roles individuals will play as work is carried out and to what extent they will be involved in the project overall. The horizontal axis represents each person on the project team and the vertical axis represents each task.

Each square of the matrix represents an individual, a task, and that individual’s role within the project, either responsible, accountable, consulted, or informed. In this situation, for example, the project manager is accountable for accessing risk, defining performance requirements, creating designs, executing construction, and approving construction work. However, they are only informed about approving construction work and defining functional and aesthetic needs.

Read more: Understanding Different Types of Stakeholders and Their Roles

Our FREE Downloadable RACI Matrix Template

Who creates the raci matrix.

The RACI matrix — sometimes called RACI model, RACI diagram, or simply just RAC — is created by the project manager at the start of the project as a key part of establishing the initial human resources planning for the project. Because miscommunication is a common threat to any project, RACI charts are a great asset to teams dealing with any type of project, from very simple projects to extremely complex ones. 

Common Mistakes When Creating a RACI Matrix

• Failure to plan ahead: Utilizing a RACI matrix should not be your first step in project planning. Having a fully assembled project team and at least a general idea of a task list and project plans is a better place to start before preparing a matrix.
• Working with too large a team: A RACI matrix is likely not the best bet for a large team, as it will make the matrix hard to understand and overly complex.
• Not communicating with the project team: A RACI matrix should help organize tasks and responsibilities that have already been introduced to the project team – no one likes to be blindsided. Be sure to host a kickoff meeting with the team first before creating a RACI matrix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Implementing a RACI matrix takes more than just a few emails and sporadic conversations – it takes consistent communication and planning. You should host a kickoff meeting to introduce the matrix to the team and make a plan to continue meeting at predetermined times throughout the project lifecycle. 

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you implement your RACI matrix within the team dynamic:

• Get everyone prepared. Send the document around to the meeting distribution as read-ahead material, requesting feedback if there are any major concerns. 
• Roll out each role for the team . During the meeting, conduct a review of the tasks and responsible parties. Do not rush through this review, but rather ensure enough time in your project kickoff for this important aspect. (Be certain to clarify the definitions of RACI to avoid ambiguity.)
• Consider changes and update accordingly. After the meeting, send out the notes documenting acceptance or updates to the RACI. In addition to sending out the notes, request any corrections within a reasonable yet defined timeframe. Clarify that if no changes are requested, each person is acknowledging their role and committing to the project tasks as outlined.
• Stay in touch. Consider a quick review with the entire team each quarter or every six months for longer projects to ensure it remains up-to-date and not simply another document in the repository but a relied-upon artifact.

As you implement the RACI matrix…

• Encourage teamwork and foster collaboration whenever possible.
• Don’t fear updates – make changes and adjustments as needed (but be sure to communicate those changes clearly to all parties).
• Earlier is better. Roll out your matrix plan to the team BEFORE you plan to implement it for the best results. 
• Have a clear-cut understanding of the project scope and how each role connects to the overall project goal.

For “Responsible” Parties:

• Make sure your project’s definition of Responsible is clear on who holds the “decider” role for the project or project phase’s completion, and what the dimensions of that responsibility will be.
• Ensure that all parties are aware of their role and responsibilities within the matrix.

For “Accountable” Parties: 

• When multiple Accountable team members must exist, use your definitions to make clear which individual is accountable for a given project element, and how that individual needs to interact with other Accountable team members.
• Ensure that there is only one “Accountable” party assigned per task.
• Be sure that the Accountable party has the authority and power to oversee the task as the accountable party.

For Consulted and Informed Parties: 

• Consulted parties are often high-level decision-makers with heavy schedules. Make sure you’re clear on their availability ahead of time.
• Similar to Consulted parties, Informed parties are often less hands-on and have less understanding of day-to-day project operations. As the project goes on, make sure to keep detailed notes to keep the Informed party up-to-date on key information. 
• Understand the ways that these parties like to communicate and create a plan to reach them early – whether that’s over phone calls, emails, video calls, or from within your project management system’s collaboration tools.
• Knowing the difference between who needs to be consulted versus informed can be a challenge if there is ambiguity about project roles. Consider what aspects of the project different team members need to know to do their jobs, and then bake those into your definitions.

RACI Matrix Pros & Cons

• Increased Engagement: RACI helps engage project participants in the project lifecycle. 
• Enhanced Project Planning: Project managers make project planning more organized, efficient, and detailed.
• Identifiable Improvement Opportunities: Areas of improvement are more easily identified.
• Easier Collaboration: Use of a RACI matrix creates a clear path for leadership to sign off on project steps, as project documentation in the RACI model is heavily emphasized.
• Better Communication: Improves overall group communication as a whole.
• Group Accountability: Assists groups, especially larger project teams, stay connected and accountable to their roles and project goals
• Limitations on Role Scope: The RACI model does not provide details on role scope, especially for responsible parties. These gaps in detail also affect other team roles, for example, another gap in a RACI is the determination of who is responsible for verifier and signatory.
• Limits on Task Details and Scope: While a RACI matrix can provide an overview of who is responsible for different tasks, it will not state what needs to be done.
• Not Aligned to the Agile Methodology: Project managers using an agile methodology like scrum may find it redundant since accountability, ownership, and ongoing communication is built into the scrum framework (i.e., product owner, scrum master, and daily standups with the team). Additionally, agile focuses on team-based delivery and accountability, while the RACI framework and alternatives focus on individual responsibility and autonomous accountability.

Read more: Top 10 Causes of Project Failure

Free RACI Matrix Templates

A number of project management software solutions include a native RACI matrix template. Here are just a few we’ve found:

Colorful RACI Chart Template

We love this template from Smartsheet because it’s colorful, thorough, and includes room for every party involved in the project. 

Pastel Colored RACI Matrix Template

This template from the Academy to Innovate HR is a great choice for project managers who want to organize their team roles with an easy-on-the-eyes chart that evolves beyond the simple spreadsheet. 

Simple RACI Chart from Clickup

These RACI templates from Clickup have enough variety to fit any of your project needs, but are simple enough for even beginner PMs to use.

Detailed RACI Matrix Template

This template is a great starter template for anyone looking to explore RACI charts in their project management strategy . As an added bonus – it comes with the RACI definitions already built in!

Excel-Based RACI Chart Template

Are you an Excel or Google Sheets user looking to take advantage of the RACI matrix? An Excel-formatted template from Project Management Docs can be just the solution for you. This template is a great template for users who want a chart that comes in a pre-formatted structure.

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Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RACI Matrix) Explained

Written by samantha ferguson.

Last updated 11th April 2024

There’s an old saying that ‘If everyone’s responsible, nobody’s responsible.’ And in project management, it often rings true.

When people don’t know exactly what they – and their colleagues – are responsible for, it’s easy for things to get missed, ignored, or left for others to deal with.

This is especially true nowadays, with projects more complex – and teams more distributed – than ever.

And it’s a situation that leads to confusion, frustration, and, potentially, project failure .

One way to mitigate this is the responsibility assignment matrix – sometimes called the RACI matrix.

In this post we’ll outline the core principles of the RACI Matrix – and explain why it may be a good idea for project managers to put in place for their projects!

What is a RACI matrix?

A RACI matrix is an essential project management tool used to define roles and responsibilities for a project or project task. It’s about defining who’s responsible for projects or tasks, and what level of input is expected of them.

These are the four categories of involvement in a project, and each individual or team involved in the project is assigned one of these project roles. 

Let’s first dig into what they mean…

The Responsible category is for a person or team who is actively involved in completing a task or project. To put it crudely, they’re the ones who are actually ‘doing the work.’

The Accountable category is for the person or team who’s ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the project, task or deliverable. They might not be the ones ‘doing’ the work, but they are the ones who are ultimately accountable for the outcome. 

The Consulted category is for teams or people who need to be consulted for their expertise or input along the way. They may not be directly involved in the work, but their input is important. For example – these people might be required to give feedback and sign off, or provide technical advice.

And the Informed category is for people who need to be kept informed of progress. They may provide input on a task or project, but more likely, they just require up-to-date info to understand where things are up to.

By clearly defining roles and responsibilities for a project using a RACI matrix, it’s easier to monitor progress and ensure successful completion. 

It also helps to eliminate misunderstandings about who is responsible for what by enshrining this in a clear, visual way.

How to create a RACI matrix

Creating a RACI matrix is easy to do. The matrix consists of two main elements – a table and a list of tasks, roles and responsibilities for the project or task.

The table is made up of columns for each individual involved in the project, and rows for each task or activity that needs to be completed. Each cell in the table will indicate the role for that person in relation to that particular task. The list should include a description of each task or activity, as well as the roles and responsibilities for each individual involved.

Let’s look at a classic project and consider how those categories would come into effect using the RACI model.

In this example we’ll consider a typical, run-of-the-mill web design project. So we start by adding a column for every person or team involved – we’ll go with client, project manager, web designer, graphic designer, front-end developer, back-end developer, content writers/editors/strategists and a QA team.

Then, down the left-hand column, we list the stages or tasks involved in that project. We’ll keep things broad and go with briefing and project outline, design, look and feel, user experience, front-end user interface, back end functionality and website content

Again, this is pretty broad, but you could also make it incredibly granular, highlighting every single task and every single person – and, actually, the RACI matrix is often at its best when done in this more detailed way.

Then, to complete our RACI matrix, we need to go through each empty box in our chart and fill it out with one of our four letters to denote whether that person or team is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted or Informed.

To further illustrate the idea, let’s look at a different example – designing and executing a content marketing strategy.

In this example you’ll notice that we have some individuals marked as “A&R” – this means they’re both accountable AND responsible. In other words, they’re tasked with doing the work – AND accountable for the results – which demonstrates how, sometimes, people can occupy more than one category in the matrix.

The beauty of this model is that you can read it in a couple of different ways.

You can view it row by row and work out who has what level of responsibility for a particular task.

Or you can use the columns to work out the requirements of a person or team across a whole project. In theory, you could pick out your role, then get a clear overview of all your responsibilities by simply working your way down the list.

Your RACI Matrix x Project.co

RACI charts are a key part of the project management process – particularly for complex projects – and can be managed with project management software like Project.co . 

Start by creating your project. Every project can be customised to include the tools you need.

Next, invite your project team – this can be made up of internal team members, client team members, and even freelancers.

The Project Notes section is a great place to leave important info that’s relevant to the whole project. This is a good place to store your RACI matrix. 

You can also use the Embed tool to embed documents such as Google Sheets so they’re available from within your project to everyone involved.

You can also include important RACI chart info from within the notes section of each task, as well as attaching tasks to individual people, dates and other important info.

Simply create the tasks you need to complete for your project and assign the responsible person or people to them. 

Final thoughts

You don’t have to be a business analyst to create a RACI chart and use this powerful method to make your projects more streamlined, simple and efficient.

The bottom line is that a RACI matrix ensures every team member knows what’s expected of them – who’s accountable, who’s doing the work, who needs to be consulted, and who needs to be kept up to date.

And if you’re looking to take your project management game to the next level – sign up to Project.co today and get started for free!

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Responsibility Assignment (RACI) Matrix: A Comprehensive Guide

For a project to run smoothly, you have to have a team member assigned to every task and make sure each of them knows what to do. Depending on how complicated your project is and how many people are working on it, this can be hard. This is where constructing a Responsibility Assignment (RACI) matrix can help. This Six Sigma tool helps you to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the team members and ensure that someone takes care of every step of the process.

What Exactly Is the Responsibility Assignment (RACI) Matrix?

A common problem in many projects is that team members have a wrong perception of their roles and roles of others. Often enough, there is a difference between what a person thinks their role is and what the organizer thinks they should be doing. As the process goes, this confusion is likely to grow. With time, team members can drift away from what they were assigned to do originally. This can lead to:

• conflicts over who’s ought to do the job;
• lack of people to handle crucial tasks
• unbalanced workloads for different team members;
• lack of action because of uncertainty and ineffective communication;
• creation of non-essential and unnecessary tasks to fill time;
• idleness and poor morale.

This is where RACI matrix comes handy. It’s a responsibility charting tool that specifies not only who is responsible for a given task, but also the role of each person involved in it. By constructing a RACI matrix, a project manager can make sure that the team members stick to the specific roles he or she wants them to take. It helps avoid any kind of confusion about roles sometime down the line for the project.

What is Tallyfy?

Tallyfy helps you document and automate tasks between co-workers and clients

Essentially, RACI matrix is a project management tool. RACI stands for R esponsible, A ccountable, C onsulted, and I nformed – the four roles assigned to team members. The tasks are normally listed in the first column of the matrix and the team members are listed in the top row of the table. Responsibility charting through creating a RACI matrix brings clarity to what every team member has to do in the project. In addition to that, it serves as a check on what should be done and who’s ought to be doing what in the future.

The Four Roles in RACI Matrix

Responsible (R)

“Responsible” refers to the person who actually completes the task – aka “the doer.” There always has to be at least one Responsible per each task. If you are missing an R in any of the rows of the matrix – you have a gap that has to be filled immediately.

Accountable (A)

“Accountable” is the person who is ultimately answerable for the activity or decision to be made. This is someone who has the final authority over the task – typically some kind of a manager or senior offices. Typically, you should have the minimum number of people accountable for every task. In most projects, there will be only one person listed as “accountable.”

Consulted (C)

“Consulted” is the adviser for the given task or entire project. Normally, this is the subject matter expert whose opinion you seek before making the final decision or action. Keep in mind that you should keep the number of C’s to the minimum for each row. Having too many consultants can slow down the process significantly and add unnecessary deliberation and idle discussion. Too many C’s can raise the risk of poor performance.

Informed (I)

“Informed” are the people you keep updated on how the process is going. These would be the people who you will notify once the task is completed and who will take action as the result of the outcome. There can be as many “informed” as necessary per process. You usually have only a one-way communication with these people.

Five Steps to Charting a RACI Matrix

Step 1: identify the work process.

The first thing to do when charting a RACI matrix is to identify the specific work process. In this step, you want to focus on the high impact areas first. Improving performance in those area brings more benefit for the whole business overall. You may also want to focus on the processes that seem to underperform because of role confusion. If you feel that too many people do the same task or there is a slack because team members interfere in the tasks that’s not theirs, this could mean that this work process needs a responsibility chart.

Chose a process that is not set to change in the nearest future. Be sure to completely define the work process. A chart for a work process should include between 10 and 25 tasks. Otherwise, it may be that your definition of the process in question is either too narrow or too broad.

Step 2: Determine the Decisions and Tasks to Include in the Chart

In this step, your goal is to determine every task within the process that someone has to be responsible for. Avoid obvious, generic sounding, or meaningless tasks – like “go to meetings” or “write reports.” The point of RACI matrix is to see whether each important task has a “doer,” not give meaningless assignments.

In this step, it would be useful to consult the people directly involved in the process. By conducting some sort of one-to-one interviews with the senior team member or simply brainstorming with the team, you will have a better grasp of the whole process. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important details. Also, when listing the activities, try to be as specific as possible and use action-oriented language. This will help to keep the focus of the team members in the future.

Step 3: Figure out Who Is Responsible For What

Here, your job is to see who are the people assigned to each task. The list of people can include those directly working on the project as well as people from other departments or outside the company. It would be better if you do not list specific people, but rather specify which roles are involved in the process. E.g., instead of putting “Ben” in your list of people, put “Project Sponsor.” Specific people working on the process may change, so listing roles rather than people makes your RACI matrix more adaptive. This way the chart will be still valid if new people fill the roles tomorrow.

Step 4: Construct the RACI Matrix

As a general rule, you should start filling out the squares with “R’s” – Responsible – as these are usually the people directly responsible for the output. Next, move on to the “A’s” – Accountable – since these would be the people ultimately answerable for the process. The last step is to determine the “C’s” and the “I’s” – Consulted and Informed. These people would not have direct responsibility for the project but are still related to it.

Step 5: Get Feedback and Revise

Once you complete the RACI matrix, distribute it among the team members that did not directly participate in its creation and ask them for feedback. Capture their opinions and revise the chart to see if there are any changes you have to add. This way you’ll make sure that you don’t miss anything important and have all your team members on the same page about their responsibilities. It’s crucial you discuss and agree on the final version of the matrix before you begin working on the process.

Before finalizing your chart, make sure to see if the assignments are reasonable. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does one role have too many responsibilities? Can they be assigned to someone else?
• Do you have the appropriate number of Consulted and Informed per task?
• Does every task have an Accountable and a Responsible?
• If you have some particularly complex tasks, is one Accountable enough for smooth decision making?

Finally, remember that as you work on the process, you will have to constantly reevaluate and update your RACI matrix. Some parts of the project may change with time, and you have to note these changes in the chart.

RACI matrix is a simple and elegant tool that helps everyone to keep track of their roles and responsibilities. This chart protects you from role confusion and makes it way easier to run your projects smoothly. It’s simple and clear structure shows which role does what task and can be especially helpful when creating a team charter .

If you’re looking to graph more complex information than simply the task responsibilities, though, then you might want to look into business process mapping .

Have you used a RACI matrix for your project? Was it useful? Let us know how it went down in the comments!

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A Comprehensive Project Management Guide for Everything RACI

By Kate Eby | July 15, 2016 (updated September 5, 2023)

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To ensure collaboration and project success, it is crucial for all project stakeholders to understand their roles and responsibilities and those of other project members. This is especially important when project teams are more complex due to their large size, involvement of distributed team members, or reliance on staff from multiple departments. 

RACI stands for Responsible Accountable Consulted Informed. While its origins are murky, the RACI matrix has been adopted by many organizations to associate roles with project deliverables. One Six Sigma tutorial describes RACI this way:

“Typically a task is associated with at least one role or in some cases multiple roles. This ‘Association’ of the role with a task can be divided into the following four association types:

• R esponsible
• A ccountable

The above four types of association of a role to a task represented in a simple task vs. role diagram or matrix is called RACI (pronounced ‘racey’) matrix. So basically the RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment matrix (RAM), designed to assign tasks, activities, responsibilities, accountability, decision making, support to team members of a process/project, and clarify expectations on the level of their participation.” Here is an example of a RACI matrix:

This guide will explain when to use RACI, why it works, guidelines to use it effectively, and the role it can play in effective project management in all industries from construction to healthcare. Lastly, we'll show you that once you've created your own matrix, you'll need a collaborative, real-time tool, like Smartsheet, to manage the rest of the project details — from start to finish.

The Four Association Types

RACI has four association types: responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed. Responsible roles produce deliverables; accountable roles check the deliverables; consulted roles advise on tasks; and informed roles are kept informed throughout these processes.

• Responsible: These roles are responsible for completing the task or deliverable. For example, if the responsibility role is a technical writer, this person may be responsible for writing online help files. A software developer wouldn’t write the help files, but might incorporate those files into the product, which would be defined as a different task.
• Accountable: This type of role has the final authority on (or is accountable for) the task’s completion. To take the previous example of a technical writer developing online help and a software developer incorporating the help files, a product manager might be responsible for ensuring that the files make it into the product.
• Consulted: This role functions as an adviser to a task. For example, a team may consult with a Scrum Master as a subject matter expert (SME). Consider advisers carefully, as having too many people in this role can stretch the task time and raise the risk of poor performance.
• Informed: Informed team members are kept up to date on task completion. Charting this role helps to illustrate dependencies among tasks and also ensures transparency into task status. It can be difficult to identify those who need to be informed, so consult various roles to determine who needs status updates. For example, the sales manager may require status updates because a customer has a special interest in feature development.

When to Use RACI

A RACI model is a useful tool for general project management. Use a RACI matrix when processes are stalled due to role confusion, or when role authority is not clearly outlined. We’ve outlined some common use cases for RACI below:  

• If the approval process is bogged down, it may be due to role confusion.
• If decisions are being overruled often and seemingly arbitrarily, this is also a situation that can benefit from clarifying roles.
• Another situation that frequently occurs is that many people perform the same analysis tasks. When tasks are not getting done, it may be that nobody knows who should be doing them.
• When the authority to perform tasks is not understood, it may be time to define roles and tasks, responsibilities, and authority.

Eliminating this sort of confusion and clarifying roles and tasks is the chief function of a RACI Matrix.

RACI is among the most popular models, but there are several alternatives, including:

• PACSI – Used in situations where multiple stakeholders can review and veto the work of a single accountable person. The roles include Performed, Accountable, Control, Suggested, and Informed.
• RAPID – Created by Bain & Company to clarify decision accountability through clear role and responsibility delineation. The roles include Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, and Decide.

The Value of RACI

Implementing a RACI model helps you to involve the most qualified people in your projects. Project managers can use RACI to quickly develop charts that provide clarity to the team. Some major benefits of the RACI model are as follows:

• Eliminating role confusion.
• Preventing over-allocation of resources to one project and under-allocation to another.
• Clearly defining roles to all the people who fill them (clear understanding of expectations is key to a smooth project and reduces the need for conflict resolution later).
• Ensuring no task is overlooked when resources are allocated.
• Providing a fast and efficient way to re-allocate resources when there is turnover. New people can quickly identify their roles in a project and the roles of those with whom they must interact.

Finally, because the Informed category is given equal weight, the RACI Matrix encourages communication between roles. Communication is the key to clearly understanding expectations, which results in a smooth project.

RACI Matrices

A RACI matrix is a collection of all project activities associated with the people or roles responsible for each. Your matrix should include all project elements, including planning, testing, design, and support.

To create a RACI matrix, consider the following steps: 

• Decide How to Chart the Matrix: You can use any number of tools or templates, including a spreadsheet, whiteboard, or software solution.
• Identify the Project Tasks or Deliverables: Meet with key stakeholders to develop a list of project tasks. For this discussion, tasks include necessary activities, like meetings or events, as well as tangible deliverables, like features or products. Plot tasks across the X or Y axis of the matrix. For example, if you are charting a software project developed under Agile, the sprint demo meeting may be a required activity and should be included in the matrix as a task. Don’t forget to add maintenance of the RACI Matrix as its own task. The project manager usually maintains the RACI Matrix.
• Identify the Project Roles: Project roles are labeled across the other axis of the matrix. The project roles make the matrix more understandable and can be useful for adding any data you may have forgotten. As you identify roles, add any tasks that apply to those roles on the task axis. The task axis is also useful for identifying roles and clarifying resource allocation. This is a good time to assign names to roles as well — one name per role is optimal.
• Label the Intersections of the Axes: Where the X and Y axes intersect, label the intersection with an R, A, C , or I to finalize the matrix with who should be responsible, accountable, consulted, or informed on each task.

RACI Guidelines

While RACI matrices will differ by project, there are some broad guidelines that you should always follow. Above all, your matrix should encourage teamwork and inform all people of their roles and assignments. We’ve laid out additional best practices below: 

• Avoid multiple levels of oversight – one level is enough 
• Encourage teamwork
• Maintain chart fluidity – make changes as needed and let people know when things change
• Assign only one Accountable per task
• Ensure Accountable assignees have authority to ensure the task is complete
• Avoid too many consultants as they can take up too much time (waiting for answers, gathering input, etc.) while too few can damage performance, so try to find the "sweet spot”  
• Inform everyone with a role of their assignment

Finding the Right RACI Template

RACI templates save time and provide a starting point for building your chart. Choose a simple, customizable template to ensure that it is as useful as possible for all team and project types.

Some templates use the X axis for the tasks and Y for roles, and others do the opposite. If tasks exceed roles, as they generally do, it is easier to use the X axis for tasks and the Y for roles as you will be able to see the greatest number of roles per task at a glance on most computer monitors. On the other hand, you may find it easier to filter a chart based on role (for instance, filtering to show only the “I” roles for a given task) with the tasks on the X axis. In addition, most templates use some form of color-coding.

Regardless of which template you select, using one will eliminate a lot of basic work in constructing the chart and will free your time to define roles and tasks.

RACI Project Management

RACI project management focuses on creating and managing a RACI matrix to identify and resolve conflicts in roles and revise role categorization. You should approach analysis as a team and encourage all roles to provide feedback.

A RACI Matrix is analyzed vertically and horizontally. Here are some things to look for when reviewing the role axis (whether this is horizontal or vertical):

• If one role has too many responsibilities, should some responsibilities be reallocated or should more people be assigned to the role?
• If only one person is Accountable, is it reasonable to expect that person to make all decisions and could it threaten the project by creating a bottleneck?
• Here are some things to look for when reviewing the Task axis (whether this is horizontal or vertical):
• If there is a task with no one Responsible, should someone be assigned or should the task be eliminated?
• If there is a task where no one is Accountable, who has decision-making authority?
• If there are multiple people Accountable for a task, avoid conflicts by making a single person accountable. 
• If too many people must be consulted, evaluate whether one person can be assigned who talks with others involved.

It is common, during the life of a project, to have team members experience role confusion. A RACI matrix is useful for clearly identifying roles associated with a project and improving productivity, especially when you’re suffering from role confusion. Some signs of role confusion are:

• Concern over who makes decisions —Decision-makers are usually labeled as Accountable, but it may be that decisions are being made by the Responsible party. If that’s the case, the team should know who makes decisions in each situation.
• Finger pointing —If work is not completed on time, finger pointing may result. The key to avoiding this is knowing who is Responsible. 
• Poor resource allocation —The RACI Matrix should make resource allocation very clear, but sometimes a single task can be extremely taxing, leading to some issues concerning who should be doing what and when.
• Lack of action because of ineffective communications —If someone is not Informed, they may not know to perform a task.
• Too many consultations because the wrong people are consulted —The Consulted should be clearly labeled to avoid jeopardizing the project schedule.

It is the duty of a project manager to step in if role confusion is suspected and clarify roles to ensure that everyone is aware of expectations.

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Your guide to RACI charts, with examples

Can you identify exactly who’s doing what by when for each task, milestone, and deliverable in your project? If not, you might need a RACI chart.

RACI is an acronym to help teams clarify project roles and figure out who the responsible party is for any given task. Whether you've never heard of RACI before or you’re considering creating a RACI chart for your next project, here’s everything you need to know about how to create and use these charts.

What is a RACI chart?

Responsible.  This person is directly in charge of the work. There should only ever be one Responsible role per task so you know who to go to with questions or updates. If a task has more than one Responsible person, you can lose clarity and cause confusion. Instead, aim to add additional collaborators as some of the other RACI roles, which can have more than one person.

Accountable.  The Accountable person is responsible for overseeing overall task completion, though they may not be the person actually doing the work. There are two ways to assign an Accountable role. Sometimes, the Accountable is the project manager (or even the Responsible, though in that case the person is taking on two different roles during the task workflow). In these cases, the Accountable is responsible for making sure all of the work gets done. In other cases, the Accountable is a senior leader or executive who is responsible for approving the work before it’s considered complete. Like the Responsible role, there should only ever be one Accountable.

Consulted.  This will be the person or people who should review and sign off on the work before it’s delivered. There may be multiple Consulted roles for each task,  project milestone , or deliverable.

Informed.  This is the person or group of people who are informed about the progress and completion of work. They probably are not involved in any other aspect of the deliverable.

When should I create RACI charts?

RACI charts are a helpful way to track each stakeholder’s role for a task, milestone, or deliverable—especially if you’re managing a complex project with many decision makers and subject matter experts. With a RACI chart, you can prevent poor decision making and avoid roadblocks in the approvals process that could impact overall project success.

These charts, while different from PERT charts , are especially useful if your stakeholders may be taking on different roles throughout the project. For example, there could be a stakeholder who is Responsible on one deliverable but Informed on another. With a RACI chart, you can clearly outline these details and make sure everyone knows who’s responsible for what.

Example of a RACI chart

To build a RACI chart, list every task, milestone, or deliverable for your project. Then, identify who the Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed team members are for each one.

Let’s say you’re updating the homepage on your website.  Project stakeholders  include:

Head of website

Web developer

You want to create a RACI chart for five tasks and deliverables:

Update homepage CTAs

Update customer story on homepage

Revamp website design

Improve homepage loading speed

Update homepage design

The RACI chart would look like:

Responsible: Copywriter

Accountable: Web developer

Consulted: Head of website

Informed: Designer

Revamp video on homepage

Responsible: Designer

Informed: Copywriter

Responsible: Web developer

Informed: Copywriter & Designer

Pros and cons of RACI charts

Ultimately, the question is: should you create a RACI chart? While RACI charts are a useful tool to identify project responsibilities, they can get a little cumbersome over the lifecycle of a project. Here are the pros and cons of creating a RACI chart for your team’s work:

The benefits of RACI charts

Clear project roles and responsibilities can help your team move fast and reduce confusion about who’s working on what. With a RACI chart, you can ensure you don’t have two team members working on the same thing. As a result, you’ll have an easier time  collaborating  with your team.

RACI charts are also particularly helpful when the decision-making process is split between tasks. There might be scenarios where the Informed on one task or milestone is the Responsible or Consulted on another—in order to have that clearly defined, it’s helpful to track this work in a RACI chart.

RACI chart pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

RACI models focus on the granular, instead of capturing work at the project level. You might know who the Consulted is on a particular task—which is helpful—but knowing that doesn’t help you understand how various stakeholders interact with the broader project work.

Additionally, if you attempt to write out each task and each role, your RACI chart can get bulky. Worse, if your project changes in some way, your RACI chart would immediately become outdated. That can make it hard for you to gain real-time clarity about where each task is in your project workflow.

RACI charts are limited because they aren’t able to adapt to your project needs in real time. In order to establish clear expectations and eliminate confusion on the project level, you need a  project management tool .

Take your RACI chart to the next level

With project management software, every task has an assignee—that’s the Responsible. You can see work on the project level, so the Accountable and Informed don’t have to check in via email or status meetings. And, for any approvals you need from your Consulted, you can track reviews and approvals in one place. That way, your entire RACI team has a central source of truth for all of the work being done.

Instead of having your RACI chart separate from where the work is happening, project management tools capture the topic, assignee, and other important information like the task due date or relative importance. That way, your entire project team has visibility into who’s doing what by when—and you’re not relying on a single person to manage and update your RACI chart. Project management tools update in real time, so you can see exactly where you are in the approval process.

Track who’s doing what by when

Clear team roles and responsibilities help you hit your deliverables on time. Tracking different and complex stakeholder responsibilities in a RACI chart can help you do that—but RACI charts are just the beginning. Learn more about  work management , and how your team can benefit.

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How to use RACI charts for improved project ownership and team collaboration

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Everyone’s been there — a new major project lands on your manager’s desk and the team comes together to figure out how to accomplish it. But where do you start? Who’s responsible for what? And how do you get to the finish line together?

What is a RACI chart?

A RACI chart delineates roles among team members across a given project: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.

A RACI chart is also known as a responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) or project assignment matrix (PAM). RACI is a simple table that goes a long way in identifying who should be doing what in a project or campaign. 

Using project management frameworks like the RACI model, you can build a workflow where everyone has input and ownership from start to finish.

RAPID vs DACI vs RACI

You may be saying, “haven’t I heard of this before?” That’s likely — it’s popular among scrum masters and agile managers . But there are also a few similar models that get confused with RACI, particularly RAPID and DACI, which are about decision-making and group consensus.

So, what’s the difference? While RAPID and DACI are designed as the step your group takes before initiating action, RACI is the plan that sets up who will make that action.

Why are RACI charts important for project management?

A RACI chart gives everyone involved a clear view of each individual’s role. In project management , that can make a world of difference in your success. Establishing clear roles can lead to higher employee engagement and easier agile decision-making . This can contribute to up to 53% more efficiency than before you had defined roles. 

A team that was previously misaligned and unclear on their roles and responsibilities can find significant progress in their next project by providing role clarity and direction through a RACI matrix.

2. Centralize communication

Your team is struggling to communicate with disorganized email threads, direct instant message pings, and comments that get lost in the shuffle. 

That’s bad news (and a big time-waster) for your projects. A number of studies show that communication is one of the most common and frequent causes of project failure . When team members have too many places to check for information, wires are crossed, deadlines are missed, tasks are forgotten, and confusion builds. 

Project management software keeps all of your communication — from timelines and status updates to feedback and questions — in one single place that’s easily accessible to everyone. This breaks down silos so that everybody can not only share knowledge, but effectively manage how and where they share it. 

Understanding the RACI Model

When should you use a RACI Matrix? Don’t feel pressured to establish RACI on everyday tasks, like checking emails or answering customer calls. But when a project has invested stakeholders and the potential for long-term impact, like improving an app user interface or launching a new product, the RACI chart can keep you in line from the get-go.

Let’s dive into the four roles of the RACI matrix: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.

Responsible: Performing the tasks

The “R” in your model takes the role of Performer. The responsible individual is delegated a responsibility, like “design home page wireframe,” from the accountable person, and must complete that responsibility within agreed-upon parameters and an agreed-upon deadline. You may have multiple responsible individuals for one task; make sure you balance this appropriately and make it clear exactly who should be doing what at each stage of the process.

Accountable: Overseeing the project

The “A” is the accountable individual whose job it is to ensure the task is completed by all the responsible members. Unlike responsibilities, accountabilities shouldn’t be relegated; keep this assignment to only one accountable individual who acts as the decision-maker and shepherd throughout the project, ensuring the task is completed to an acceptable standard.

Consulted: Providing information

The “C,” or consulted individual, is the knowledge-holder on the team. They’re available for help, extra context, and advice on the task. Let’s say you’re responsible for designing a wireframe. You may want to consult your website administrator to make sure you have full access to the content management system and won’t break anything with your new CSS ideas. 

The consulted individual will provide you with all the information and access you need before you proceed with the task. You might have one or up to three consulted individuals depending on a task and its complexity; identify who these people are early on so you can loop them into the project and its workflow.

Informed: Gets status updates

Your “I” is the informed approver or stakeholder who wants or needs information about your project’s project. The “I” can be many people, like a leadership team, or the department head who is delivering the project upward. This promotes internal transparency and also ensures two things: 1) recognition that the project is being completed on time and within expectations and 2) guarantees that the project gets approval and aligns with stakeholders’ intent.

Creating a RACI Chart

Now that we know what a RACI chart is and what it’s designed for, let’s build one together. Let’s say our project is building a web page for a new service line. Who handles what tasks along the line to project completion?

Step 1: Identify tasks and workload

What needs to be done along the way to our project goal? Let’s identify some core tasks in a project, such as launching a new website:

• Designing a homepage wireframe
• Creating graphic design and animations
• Identifying SEO keywords
• Setting up the domain and server
• Writing homepage copy

Within those main tasks, you may have smaller subtasks to perform, like approving wireframes or setting up billing info for the domain host . Work with your team to identify those subtasks so no surprises come up along the way that may interfere with your workflow and delay the deliverables.

Step 2: Identify roles

Your graphic designer isn’t going to be doing SEO keyword research, and your copywriter won’t be setting up your domain host. Sit down with your team and have a collaborative conversation to identify those roles . For example, your graphic design task and subtasks may look like the following:

Building graphic design and animations — Ariel 

• Create website hero image — Natalie
• Review and approve website hero image — Tessa
• Animate hero image and convert to .mp4 file — Anji
• Place finalized hero image in wireframe — Ariel

Across all of these subtasks, Natalie and Anji are responsible for individual tasks that contribute to the goal of building design and animations. Tessa is consulted to review and approve the initial image and ensure it follows brand guidelines. Ariel is accountable for the other three’s work and ensuring the final product gets delivered to the wireframe.

Step 3: Build your chart

Now that you have a better understanding of who will be doing what, place those tasks and roles into a chart so you can communicate it with the team at large and track progress as you go. 

Now that you have a better understanding of who will be doing what, place those tasks and roles into a chart so you can communicate it with the team at large and track progress as you go. Here’s an example of a RACI chart (and how to use it):

Step 4: Analyze your chart and identify gaps

Have a working session with your team to identify any gaps or overlaps within the chart, both to prevent duplicative work and also to catch any roadblocks before they happen. Follow some general guidelines for what your RACI model should look like, from identifying gaps and overlaps to analyzing the balance between assignees.

You’ll see there will be some overlaps and dependencies across the chart — for example, Jenna, the SEO manager, needs to identify the SEO keywords for the homepage before Edwin can begin copywriting. So for Edwin’s task, Jenna is consulted , but for Jenna’s task, she is responsible .

You’ll also notice there is only one Accountable individual per task. Think of this person as a task-level “project lead” who drives the boat — you don’t want more than one captain steering at the same time. 

You should also find ways to limit the number of both Responsible and Consulted individuals. When you have too many Rs , it may not be clear who exactly should do what—and that’s how you end up with tasks that end up by the wayside because no one takes responsibility .

Too many Cs means too many cooks offering conflicting opinions and information; make sure your responsible individuals are getting one clear directive to guide them along the way. 

And having not enough Is is indicative that there isn’t enough upward communication or transparency happening within your organization. Be sure your leadership and stakeholders have full buy-in and understanding of the project so it gets approved and implemented without incident.

Using a RACI Chart in Confluence

Now that you understand the foundational best practices of using a RACI chart, it’s time to build one using Confluence . Implement your RACI matrix into your Confluence docs to improve project communication and accountability.

Here’s how to add a RACI matrix in Confluence:

• Click "Insert" on the top toolbar and select "Table" from the dropdown menu.
• In the table dialog box, select the number of rows and columns you need for your RACI chart. For example, if you want to create a RACI chart for a project with four tasks, you can create a table with five rows and five columns.
• The first row should contain the headers for the RACI chart. You can use the following headers: Task , Responsible , Accountable , Consulted , Informed
• Pro tip: use colors or symbols to make the chart easier to read. For example, you can use green for responsible, yellow for consulted, blue for informed, and red for accountable.

You can then use this table on any relevant project Confluence page, from Project Charters to Kick-Off Agendas to even adding the page as a Trello card or within a Jira issue . This will help ensure team members understand their roles and responsibilities, no matter which Atlassian tool they’re using. Encouraging communication and accountability will help improve team performance — all adding up to successful outcomes.

Advanced RACI Techniques in Confluence

Your RACI model may change and expand as your project progresses, so it’s important to keep your chart up to date. Here are some detailed best practices:

Review and Update Regularly

Review and update your RACI charts on a regular basis to ensure that they accurately reflect the current state of the project. Make sure roles are up-to-date, tasks are marked as completed, and dependencies are outlined. Use Confluence to set up a schedule to review and update the chart, and assign a responsible team member to oversee the process.

Include Team Members in the Process

Tag all team members who are involved in the project when you update the chart. That way, everyone is aware of any changes and can confirm they understand their roles and responsibilities. Use comments in Confluence or direct messages to asynchronously communicate updates and changes to team members.

Document Changes

Whenever changes are made to the RACI chart, they should be documented in Confluence. This can include the date of the change, who made the change, and the reason for the change. This documentation can help to ensure that everyone is aware of any changes and that they understand the reasoning behind them.

Keep it Simple

The RACI chart should be easy to understand and navigate. In Confluence, you can use visual aids, such as colors or symbols, to help make the chart more accessible. Additionally, the chart should be concise, focusing only on the most important tasks and responsibilities. Subtasks can be mapped out in Trello or Jira for better project tracking.

Review Roles and Responsibilities

When you make any updates, always review the roles and responsibilities of each team member. As you add or adjust tasks, your team can help to identify any gaps or overlaps in responsibilities. Use task management features in Confluence to assign tasks and responsibilities to team members, then delegate further in Trello or Jira. Additionally, team managers can run the Roles and Responsibilities Play with their teams to clarify individual responsibilities and find gaps that need to be filled.

Ensure Consistency

Now, make sure your charts and assignments are consistent. Establish clear guidelines for how the chart should be used and ensure that all team members are aware of these guidelines. Additionally, you can use marketplace add-ons , templates, or macros in Confluence to keep the chart consistent across different projects or teams.

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The RACI Matrix

Structuring accountabilities for maximum efficiency and results.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Related variants: ARCI, RASCI, RASIC, RACI-V and CAIRO

Teamwork is often seen as an effective way to accomplish work goals. And there is no doubt that when teams work well together the results can be impressive.

Unfortunately, the opposite is true and all too common: teams that fail to work well can also fail to deliver the desired results.

When several people work on a project, it's easy to assume that someone else is taking care of a particular detail or assignment. It's also easy to point fingers and assign blame when one of those jobs is done poorly or not done at all.

Many factors can contribute to the underperformance of a team, but unless responsibilities and accountabilities are clear, there can be a significant risk that problems will arise. With complex, time-sensitive or mission-critical projects, or in situations where people are ducking responsibility, it's often worth taking the time to think through the roles that you and your team members must play in every task that your team undertakes.

Without this clarity, you will likely find gaps, duplication and confusion. Teamwork will be frustrating and inefficient, and you'll be less likely to deliver good results. In these situations, the delegation of tasks and other responsibilities can be too important to leave to chance.

The RACI Matrix is a system that brings structure and clarity to assigning the roles people play within a team. It's a simple grid system that you can use to clarify people's responsibilities and ensure that everything the team needs to do is taken care of.

What Is the RACI Matrix?

The acronym RACI stands for:

• R = Responsible.
• A = Accountable.
• C = Consulted.
• I = Informed.

Using the RACI system, you list every task, milestone and decision, then clarify who's responsible, who's accountable, and, where appropriate, who needs to be consulted or informed.

Responsible – these people are the "doers" of the work. They must complete the task or objective or make the decision. Several people can be jointly responsible.

Accountable – this person is the "owner" of the work. He or she 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. There is 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 signed off. These people are "in the loop" and active participants.

Informed – these people need to be kept "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 decisions.

Project Management Institute, "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)": fifth edition (2013). Copyright and all rights reserved. Material from this publication has been reproduced with the permission of PMI.

Other Variants

ARCI: some people prefer to use the acronym ARCI, reflecting the importance of the "Accountability" role.

RASCI or RASIC: a fifth element, "Supportive," is sometimes interjected to make the acronym RASCI. Supportive refers to people who provide resources and assistance to the people responsible for the work.

RACI-V: In some situations, another role is included: "Verifies." This role provides the checks needed to make sure that the work is done according to predetermined criteria.

CAIRO: this includes a fifth category: "Omitted" or "Out of the loop". This would be used to designate people whom you consciously decide not to involve in project communications.

Using the RACI Matrix Tool

To complete a RACI Matrix:

• List all the tasks, activities and decisions that your team works on. It's often good to involve the whole team in doing this, helping you drill down to the core tasks that must be completed if the project to be a success.
• List all the functions of people in the team. Sometimes this means that you need to list each individual team member. But if a function is performed by several people, you should list the function rather than each individual.
• Then create a matrix (see figure 1) from the two lists you've made. List tasks, activities and decisions as row headers in the left-hand column, and place the functions/roles as column headers.

Figure 1: Example RACI Matrix

4. Now plot the RACI for each task etc. listed. Indicate who's responsible, who's accountable, who needs to be consulted, and who needs to be informed.

5. And now check the RACI for each task. Check this carefully, as this is the step that ensures everything gets done!

• There must be one (and only one) person who's accountable.
• There must be at least one person who's responsible
• "Consulted" and "informed" are optional on each row.

Also, make sure that everyone involved really needs to be. There is a saying that "too many cooks spoil the broth." Too many people involved, even if they're only "consulted" and "informed," can make work inefficient and more difficult than is necessary.

• Does one person or function have too many responsibilities? If so, there's a risk that they may perform poorly or not be able to complete the work.
• Does anyone have too many or all the As? If so, it's well worth looking again at the design of people's jobs. Can a person really monitor and oversee all these tasks fully and well? Or is it better to delegate some of the accountability (and hence the checking and balancing) to other people in the team?
• Is any one person or function involved in every task? This is probably not necessary, and you should look again at how tasks are delegated and prioritized.

7. Once you've completed steps 5 and 6, you've checked the completeness and integrity of the roles and functions in your team. The final step is to communicate the RACI matrix to all team members, and to keep it updated as things change.

One of the biggest challenges of team working (particularly in areas where there's little margin for error) is to make sure everything is done completely and well. By taking a structured approach to role assignment using the RACI Matrix, you can plot and check who is responsible and accountable for each team task, and also check the integrity of each person's roles. In so doing, you can minimize the risk of gaps, overlaps and confusions and so have a greater chance of running a highly effective and efficient team.

Once you understand people's roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, the next step is often to think through the scheduling of people's time so that projects can be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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How to Make a Responsibility Assignment Matrix: Excel RACI Template

What is a responsibility assignment matrix?

How to create a responsibility assignment matrix in excel, free raci template for excel, how to manage raci roles in your teamgantt plan.

A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) is a tool used in project management to clarify team and stakeholder roles for each project step. It paves the way for smooth collaboration by ensuring everyone knows what they need to do, who they need to talk to, and who has the final say on key decisions and deliverables.

RACI—which stands for Responsible , Accountable , Consulted , Informed —is the most popular framework used for assigning roles and responsibilities on projects. Here’s a quick breakdown of RACI categories in basic terms:

• Responsible : Who completes the work?
• Accountable : Who makes decisions? 
• Consulted : Who provides expertise?
• Informed : Who needs status updates?

Of course, RACI isn’t the only responsibility assignment matrix out there. These RACI alternatives provide a small sample of other approaches you might come across in project management.

• RASCI (or RASIC) matrix : This RACI alternative adds one extra role into the responsibility assignment mix. In the RASCI model, the S stands for Supportive . While this role covers anyone who will lend the Responsible person a hand with the work, a Supportive team member isn’t responsible for the outcome.
• DACI matrix : DACI stands for Driver , Approver , Contributor , Informed and is used to outline decision-making roles and responsibilities for projects. In this framework, the project manager or leader typically serves as the Driver guiding the team to a decision.‍
• RAPID responsibility matrix : RAPID stands for Recommend , Agree , Perform , Input , Decide and is another decision-making framework used to define authority vs accountability. The Recommend role kicks things off by suggesting an action, while the Decide role has the ultimate say in how things move forward. ‍
• CARS : CARS stands for Communicate , Approver , Responsible , Support . In this model, Communicate combines RACI’s Consulted and Informed roles into a single assignment. Someone with the Communicate role lends their expertise and needs to be kept up-to-date on progress. The Approver is the main decision-maker who calls the shots.

Lay a clear path to success with a visual plan that’s easy to understand, and keep everyone in sync with flexible workflows and team collaboration.

Lots of people use spreadsheets to make a responsibility assignment matrix for their projects, so let’s walk through the basic steps of building one in Excel, using the RACI framework as our model.

Looking for an online solution? See how TeamGantt's RACI feature integrates into your project plan.

1. List project tasks and deliverables in column A

First, make a list of all the work that needs to be done for your project down the left side of your matrix. Enter each project task, milestone, or decision in column A of your Excel worksheet. 

Feel free to group tasks by project phase like we’ve done in the screenshot below. That way, your RACI matrix is easy to scan and read.

2. Add team members or project roles across row 1

Starting with column B, label each column header with the name of a team member and/or project role. 

Include the people who will execute and review work for the project, as well as any subject matter experts or stakeholders you may need to consult or keep in the loop along the way.

3. Insert a new worksheet for roles and definitions

Click Insert > Insert Sheet from the Home ribbon at the top of your Excel workbook.

Go to your new worksheet, and list each letter of the RACI acronym in column A. Then enter the corresponding role for each letter in column B. We also included RACI definitions in column C as a handy reference for anyone who might need a refresher.

You’ll use this worksheet to populate a drop-down list on the main RACI matrix tab to make it easier to assign roles quickly.

4. Add a drop-down list of roles to your matrix

Now, go back to your main worksheet, and click into the first open cell in your matrix.

On the ribbon, click Data > Data validation to insert a drop-down list with RACI roles.

On the Settings tab, choose List under the Allow menu.

Click into the Source field, then highlight the data range with your options from the RACI Roles & Definitions worksheet you set up in Step 3. We highlighted cells A2-A5 in our example.

Verify your Data validation settings are correct, then hit Enter to add the drop-down list to your selected cell.

Copy and paste that cell to apply the drop-down list to other cells in your RACI matrix worksheet.

5. Color-code assignments with conditional formatting

Click Conditional Formatting > New Rule on the Home tab. Select Classic > Format only cells that contain > Specific text > containing . Enter the letter R in the text box, then choose Custom Format , and apply a background color (and any other styles you want). 

Repeat this step for each additional letter in the acronym.

6. Assign a RACI value to everyone on every task

You’re almost there! Now go down the list of tasks on your responsibility assignment matrix, and assign a role to every person who will be involved in that project step or deliverable.

Want to build a responsibility assignment matrix of your own, but don't want to start from scratch? Download our ready-made Excel template for free. This blank RACI template is fully editable, so you can customize it for any project you manage. 

We added drop-downs for assigning RACI roles more easily and included a RACI chart example tab as reference in case you need a little extra guidance.

Download: RACI matrix template for Excel

You can easily upload your final matrix to your TeamGantt project . But if you don’t want to worry about outdated spreadsheets that get forgotten once work begins, why not assign RACI roles directly to your plan?

Here’s how to use TeamGantt’s online RACI feature for your next project.

Assigning RACI roles and responsibilities to TeamGantt tasks

• Open your project, and toggle to the RACI tab. This will display all your project tasks in a list format (rows). On the right side of the matrix, you’ll see a column for each person currently invited to the project with cells for each task in the project. 
• Click the cell below each person who needs to be assigned a role on a task, and choose one of the RACI options from the drop-down.

Viewing RACI matrix assignments for your project

There are 2 simple ways to view RACI assignments in TeamGantt:

• From the Gantt tab : If someone is assigned to a task and has a RACI role on that task, the RACI value will appear in parentheses next to that person’s name on the gantt chart. Just be aware that you won’t see RACI assignments for people who haven’t been assigned to a specific task in Gantt view.

• From the RACI tab : To access your project’s full RACI matrix, simply toggle to the RACI tab for that project. You’ll find RACI assignments for every person playing a role—whether or not they’re the one responsible for doing the work.

Keep teams in sync—and accountable—with TeamGantt

A responsibility assignment matrix is a simple tool that makes projects easier to manage by creating less confusion and more accountability. But you’ve got more than roles and responsibilities to keep straight.

TeamGantt makes it easy to build a project plan your whole team can contribute to and collaborate on. Everything happens online, so you can stay on top of deadlines and monitor progress in real time.

Use our built-in RACI chart to assign roles and keep them visible from project start to finish, so everyone knows how they contribute to success.

Try TeamGantt’s Pro Manager plan free for 30 days!

How to Streamline Roles and Promote Team Collaboration with an Effective RACI Chart

Last Updated November 7, 2019

Imagine for a moment a homeowner’s association is tasked with a project of throwing a summer barbeque bash for the neighborhood. Everyone shows up at the same time, mills around trying to find a task and chaos ensues as homeowners arrive before food has been cooked. Now imagine that same team of people tasked with the same project, but in this team, each individual is assigned a specific task, from grilling to game planning. Now, this team can immediately get to work, and it’s much more likely the neighborhood bash will be an enjoyable event.

In any project, whether the task at hand is throwing a summer party or helping an organization with a technology transformation, when roles and responsibilities for everyone involved are clear, the project is more likely to be executed smoothly. In addition, project managers are often beholden to multiple stakeholders, and keeping those key players informed and involved throughout the lifecycle of the project is critical to project success.

What is a RACI Chart?

One method for streamlining accountability on a project is the use of a responsibility assignment matrix, specifically, a RACI chart. The RACI chart describes how the matrix assigns each task or deliverable, assigns an owner, and denotes who else is involved, ultimately classifying involved parties into four categories: responsible, accountable, consulted and informed. This approach is widespread among project managers, according to “ A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ( PMBOK® Guide), Seventh Edition,” as it can eliminate confusion on who is in charge of, or accountable for, a specific project task.

The first step to developing an effective RACI chart is understanding what the various categories represent:

Responsible: This is the active party, the person who executes the task or completes the deliverable. This includes doing the work as well as making decisions. In some cases, a task or deliverable may have more than one responsible party; for best results, this role should be limited to as few people as possible for each task.

Accountable: This individual is responsible for ensuring the task is completed correctly and meets all specifications. While this person is not in charge of doing the work, they do delegate it and are responsible for approving the job that is completed. Like the previous category, the number of people assigned to this role should be limited for each task to ensure clarity in ownership.

Consulted: This group, typically comprising of subject matter experts, help provide supporting information for the person(s) responsible for working on the task. Communication with this group is two-way and is required before the task can be completed.

Informed: This group of people must be kept updated on the progress of the task or deliverable, as these individuals may be impacted by the outcomes. They typically are not involved in the feedback or review cycle but should be contacted after a decision or action is made.  

How RACI Charts Influence Project Outcomes

Planning is a critical component of project management and project success, and establishing roles and responsibilities is a key component of the planning stage. Implementing a RACI chart offers several advantages for project participants, including:

• Streamlined communication – All parties know precisely who to ask questions to, who to consult and who to inform.
• A controlled set of stakeholders – By pre-defining these responsibilities, project managers are less likely to be left juggling an unnecessary amount of opinions. Distinguishing consulters from informers can also help avoid a bulk amount of stakeholder feedback .
• Manages fatigue and overwhelm – Although project managers may hold many responsibilities, a RACI chart helps outline other owners, knowledgeable parties and accountable players to help lift some of the burden and ensure everyone stays informed.
• Establishes expectations up front – Creating a RACI chart can also help manage conflict later in the project lifecycle, as everyone should visually understand their roles and responsibilities on a project from the beginning.

Using a RACI Chart

RACI charts don’t have to be complex; they can be as simple as listing the work to be done, the resources assigned and the responsibility they hold. Follow these steps to create your own RACI chart:

Step 1: List the names of the people involved in the project – You’ll need to determine if roles or specific names are appropriate. For example, if a single person holds multiple roles, you could specify by role, whereas if multiple people hold similar titles, you might need to specify by name.

Step 2: Break down specific tasks or deliverables – Although this should be a breakdown of the project, it’s important to balance this to ensure the chart doesn’t become cumbersome or impossible to manage.

Step 3: Assign a role to teach task or deliverable, using RACI – Each task must have someone assigned to be responsible and someone assigned to be accountable.

Step 4: Seek buy in from the team – Gather your team, ensure everyone agrees with their assigned roles and responsibilities and allow for questions.

Step 5: Communicate with project stakeholders – Once you have team buy in, meet with stakeholders and get their buy in to establish expectations up front and avoid conflict down the road. The process of collecting buy in from the team and stakeholders is critical to achieving an effective project.

Step 6: Refer to the RACI – This step may seem obvious, but it doesn’t do any good to plan for the project and then not follow the chart as intended. Ensure everyone continues to adhere to the roles outlined in the RACI chart – remember, they approved them in the planning stage.

RACI Chart Example

Let’s go back to that neighborhood (NBHD) barbecue party and create a RACI chart for the homeowner association (HOA).

Keep in mind that RACI charts are useful in many cases but may not be needed in every case.  For example, rapid projects with small teams likely don’t need introduced complexity. Some Agile projects (depending on scope and timeline) may also have an implied role matrix as some roles are pre-defined, such as the Scrum team .

In implementing a RACI chart, a project manager should immediately set expectations for everyone involved. This includes ensuring team members understand when and what they must do, experts knowing when their opinion will be solicited, and stakeholders understanding where they will be informed, and where they will be consulted for input. Following the method can help establish a foundation for a streamlined project and pave the way to stronger relationships that can make a meaningful difference in the success of the project.

PMBOK is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Interested in expanding your project management expertise? Learn more about Villanova’s Applied Project Management Certificate program and course offerings.

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RACI Matrix Mastery: Your Comprehensive Guide to Responsibility Assignment

Introduction, what is a raci matrix, raci chart rules and roles, why are raci roles important, who creates the raci matrix, how to create a raci matrix, when should you use a raci matrix, raci model best practices, raci matrix in project management, alternatives to the raci matrix, top 3 project management software helps teams manage their raci charts.

In the world of project management, effective communication and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities are key to successful project completion. Without a proper understanding of who is responsible for what, tasks can be left unattended or duplicated, leading to confusion and delays. That’s where the RACI Matrix comes into play. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the RACI Matrix, explore its rules and roles, understand its importance, learn how to create one, discover the best practices, and explore its application in project management.

The RACI Matrix, also known as the RACI chart or RACI model, is a popular tool used to clarify roles and responsibilities within a project. RACI stands for R esponsible, A ccountable, C onsulted, and I nformed, representing four key roles involved in any task or decision. Each role is assigned a specific responsibility level, ensuring that everyone understands their part in the project.

The RACI Chart follows a set of RACI chart rules that govern the assignment of roles and responsibilities:

Responsible (R) : This role denotes the person or team who is responsible for completing a task or delivering a specific outcome. They are the individuals who actively carry out the work.

Accountable (A) : The accountable role represents the person who is ultimately answerable for the success or failure of the task. This individual makes decisions and ensures that the responsible party completes the task satisfactorily.

Consulted (C) : The consulted role includes individuals who possess relevant knowledge or expertise and are involved in decision-making processes. Their input is sought before making crucial decisions or taking significant actions.

Informed (I) : Individuals in the informed role are kept up to date on the progress and outcomes of the task or project. They need to be aware of the decisions and actions taken but are not directly involved in the task’s execution.

The RACI Model plays a vital role in project management for several reasons. First and foremost, it provides clarity regarding who is responsible for what, minimizing confusion and avoiding duplication of efforts. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, the RACI Model ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of project failure. Furthermore, adhering to RACI matrix rules helps in maintaining a disciplined approach to project management.

Additionally, it promotes accountability. Assigning an accountable role ensures that there is a designated person who takes ownership of the project’s success. This accountability fosters a sense of responsibility among team members, leading to increased productivity and motivation.

Furthermore, the RACI Model encourages effective communication and collaboration. By involving individuals in the consulted and informed roles, the matrix ensures that all relevant stakeholders are included in the decision-making process. This promotes transparency and allows for the integration of diverse perspectives, leading to better outcomes.

The creation of a RACI Matrix is a collaborative effort that involves key stakeholders in the project. The project manager typically takes the lead in developing the matrix, as they have a holistic understanding of the project’s objectives and the roles required for its successful completion. However, it is crucial to involve team members and subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage of responsibilities.

Creating a RACI Matrix involves the following steps:

Identify tasks and deliverables : Begin by identifying all the tasks and deliverables involved in the project. Break down the project into manageable components to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Assign RACI roles : For each task or deliverable, assign the RACI roles. Determine who is responsible for completing the task (R), who is accountable for its success (A), who needs to be consulted (C), and who should be informed (I).

Document the RACI Chart : Create a visual representation of the RACI Chart using a spreadsheet or a specialized project management tool. List the tasks and deliverables in one column and assign the appropriate RACI roles in the adjacent columns.

Review and refine : Once the initial RACI Chart is created, review it with the project team and stakeholders to ensure accuracy and completeness. Make necessary revisions based on feedback and adjust the roles and responsibilities as required.

Communicate and implement : Share the finalized RACI Matrix with the entire project team and stakeholders. Clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities to ensure everyone understands their part in the project. Regularly revisit the matrix throughout the project lifecycle to ensure its relevance and make updates if necessary.

The RACI Matrix is a versatile tool that can be applied in various project scenarios. It is particularly useful in situations where there are multiple stakeholders, complex tasks, or a lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. Here are some situations where using this tool can be beneficial:

Cross-functional projects : In projects involving multiple departments or teams, the RACI Model helps clarify responsibilities and ensure smooth coordination.

Decision-making processes : When critical decisions need to be made, involving the right individuals in the consulted role helps gather diverse perspectives and make informed choices.

Project handovers : During project transitions or handovers, the RACI Matrix ensures a seamless transfer of responsibilities and avoids gaps or duplications.

Process improvement initiatives : When analyzing and optimizing existing processes, the Chart helps identify bottlenecks and areas of improvement by clarifying roles and accountabilities.

To make the most of the RACI Model in project management, consider the following best practices:

Clearly define roles : Ensure that each role’s responsibilities and decision-making authority are clearly defined to minimize confusion and conflicts.

Keep the matrix updated : Regularly review and update the Matrix throughout the project lifecycle to reflect any changes in roles or project requirements.

Involve key stakeholders : Collaborate with project team members, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to gather insights and ensure comprehensive coverage of responsibilities.

Communicate effectively : Clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities outlined in the Matrix to all team members to avoid misunderstandings and foster a shared understanding.

Train and educate : Provide training and education on the RACI Matrix to team members to ensure they understand its purpose and know how to effectively utilize it.

The RACI Matrix is a powerful tool in project management that enhances collaboration, improves communication, and ensures efficient task allocation. By clarifying roles and responsibilities, it minimizes confusion, reduces risks, and promotes accountability among team members.

Project managers can leverage the RACI Matrix to:

Streamline project execution : By clearly defining roles and accountabilities, the chart helps streamline project execution and ensures that tasks are completed by the right individuals.

Resolve conflicts : In case of conflicts or disputes, the RACI Matrix serves as a reference point to identify the responsible party and facilitate resolution.

Enhance stakeholder engagement : Involving stakeholders in the consulted and informed roles promotes their engagement, fosters a sense of ownership, and improves overall project outcomes.

Improve decision-making : By involving the right individuals in the decision-making process, the RACI Matrix ensures that decisions are well-informed, taking into account diverse perspectives and expertise.

While the RACI Matrix is widely used and effective in many project management scenarios, there are alternative models and tools that can be used based on project requirements and preferences. These RACI chart alternatives and RACI matrix alternatives include:

RASCI Matrix : Similar to the RACI Matrix, the RASCI Matrix adds an additional role called Support (S). This role represents individuals or teams providing support to the responsible party.

DACI Matrix : An alternative to RACI, the DACI Matrix focuses on decision-making. It assigns the roles of Driver, Approver, Contributor, and Informed. It is particularly useful in situations where decision-making is a critical aspect of the project.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) : RAM is a broader matrix that includes more detailed information about roles, responsibilities, and skills required for each task. It goes beyond the simple RACI roles and provides a more comprehensive view of project assignments.

Role-Function Matrix : Another alternative to RACI ,the Role-Function Matrix focuses on the functions or activities performed by each role within the project. It helps identify and assign specific functions to different team members.

It’s important to note that the suitability of these alternatives depends on the specific project and organizational context. Project managers should carefully evaluate the needs and requirements of their projects before choosing an appropriate model or tool.

monday.com known for its flexibility and user-friendly interface, adeptly integrates the principles of the RACI Matrix into its project management environment. This tool allows users to create custom columns that can be used to assign RACI roles to different team members. For instance, a column for each RACI category (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) can be set up, and team members can be assigned accordingly. This visual representation makes it clear who is responsible for each task, ensuring that all team members are aligned and aware of their roles. Moreover, the platform’s notification and update features ensure that those in the ‘Consulted’ and ‘Informed’ roles are kept up-to-date on project progress and changes. Monday.com’s strength lies in its ability to adapt to various project management methodologies, making it an ideal choice for teams looking to implement the RACI model in a dynamic and intuitive way.

Further Exploration : There is much more to learn about Monday.com. For an in-depth review, visit Monday.com Review .

Asana , another popular project management tool, provides an effective framework for implementing the RACI Matrix . Asana’s task assignment and tagging features allow for clear delineation of responsibilities and roles. Each task or project in Asana can be tagged with custom tags representing R, A, C, and I roles, ensuring a clear understanding of each team member’s responsibilities. The tool’s comment section and progress updates are instrumental for those in the ‘Consulted’ and ‘Informed’ roles, offering a platform for collaboration and feedback. Asana’s advantage in employing the RACI Matrix lies in its streamlined communication features and task-specific focus, which enhances clarity and accountability in project management. Its user-friendly interface and robust tracking capabilities make Asana an excellent choice for teams seeking an organized and efficient way to apply RACI principles.

• Further Exploration : To discover more about Asana, check out the full review at Asana Review .

ClickUp is renowned for its versatility and comprehensive feature set, making it well-suited for incorporating the RACI Matrix. In ClickUp, custom fields can be created to represent the RACI roles, and tasks can be assigned accordingly. This customization allows for a clear visual representation of who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed for each task. ClickUp’s powerful notification system ensures that team members in the ‘Consulted’ and ‘Informed’ roles are always updated on task progress and developments. The platform’s ability to integrate with a multitude of other tools further enhances its utility in a RACI-driven environment, facilitating seamless communication and information flow. ClickUp’s strength in employing the RACI Matrix lies in its customizability and comprehensive nature, which allows for a detailed and nuanced approach to role assignment and project management.

• Further Exploration : To delve deeper into ClickUp, read the full review at ClickUp Review .

In conclusion, the RACI Matrix is a valuable tool in project management that empowers teams to effectively assign and understand roles and responsibilities. By providing clarity, promoting accountability, and facilitating communication, the RACI Matrix contributes to project success. Incorporate this powerful tool into your project management toolkit and watch as it brings order and efficiency to your projects.

For those seeking further insights into the best software options tailored to their unique business requirements, additional information can be found at Top 10 Project Management Software . This resource provides a comprehensive overview, helping businesses make well-informed choices in their quest for the ideal workflow management solution.

What does RACI stand for in the RACI Matrix?

RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. These roles define the levels of responsibility and involvement for tasks and decisions within the RACI Matrix.

Who is responsible for creating the RACI Matrix?

While the project manager typically takes the lead in creating the RACI Matrix, it is important to involve the entire project team and key stakeholders to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage of responsibilities.

How often should the RACI Chart be updated?

The RACI Chart should be reviewed and updated regularly throughout the project lifecycle. It is essential to reflect any changes in roles, responsibilities, or project requirements to maintain its accuracy and relevance.

Can a person have multiple roles in the RACI Matrix?

Yes, in some cases, a person can have multiple roles. However, it is important to clearly define and communicate these roles to avoid confusion or conflicts.

What are the benefits of using a RACI Matrix?

The benefits include clarity in roles and responsibilities, accountability, effective communication, collaboration, and simplified decision-making. It helps minimize confusion, reduce risks, and promote project success.

Is the RACI Model applicable only to large projects?

No, the model is applicable to projects of all sizes. It is particularly useful in situations where there are multiple stakeholders, complex tasks, or a need for clear role definition and accountability.

Can the RACI Matrix be used outside of project management?

Yes, the methodology can be applied in various contexts outside of project management, such as process improvement initiatives, organizational decision-making, or any situation that requires clarifying roles and responsibilities.

Are there any limitations to using the RACI Chart?

While the RACI chart is a valuable tool, it has limitations. These include complexity in large projects, potential role overlap or ambiguity, limited flexibility, and the need to avoid over-reliance on a single person for its development and maintenance.

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How to Make a Responsibility Assignment Matrix for a Project (Template Included)

The most important resource you’ll employ to deliver the project is people. They have to fit into the schedule and maintain the project budget. Defining what their roles and responsibilities are when executing tasks and delivering on the project goals is an important part of controlling the project.

How can you coordinate all the people who are involved in a project so they know what they’re doing and don’t block others from doing what they are assigned? Using a responsibility assignment matrix can help. An assignment matrix gives your project a team that gets things done.

What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix in Project Management?

A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) is a project management chart used to identify and define the various people and organizations and outline each of their roles in working on tasks or delivering a part of the project.

Project managers use an assignment matrix to clarify what cross-functional teams do within the boundaries of the project and its numerous processes. Sometimes a responsibility assignment matrix is required when responding to a request for proposal (RFP).

The responsibility assignment matrix can also be called a RACI matrix, which stands for responsible, accountable, consulted and informed.

• Responsible: Notes who is responsible for executing the task, which is then assigned to them.
• Accountable: Notes who has decision-making authority and how that power is delegated throughout the project team.
• Consulted: Notes who is able to offer insight into the task, from team members to stakeholders.
• Informed: Notes who is updated on what in terms of progress and performance, as well as when and how this information is disseminated.

This creates a map of connections between activities and project team members. Depending on the size of the project, there can be several assignment matrices used for various project levels.

Why Create a Responsibility Assignment Matrix?

The assignment matrix identifies what everyone on the team is responsible for, which means not only what their duties are, but how they participate in the project. Some will have defined tasks, others will offer help with work, while there are some who are designated as decision-makers. These groups all have an identity and function within the project to help guide it towards a successful end.

Clear communication leads to more efficient projects. An assignment matrix facilitates better communication between team members and provides transparency by creating a system to make sure everyone is updated and always on the same page. Belaboring communications can bog down a project with too many pointless meetings and confusing interactions in which people try to understand what they’re supposed to be doing. Using the responsibility assignment matrix helps, but having project management software that connects teams in real-time is ideal.

ProjectManager manages project information by allowing teams to attach files directly to tasks, and our unlimited file storage keeps important project documents at your fingertips anywhere, anytime. Commenting on tasks can save time and tagging others in the project team creates a communication process that avoids the pitfalls of redundancies or unnecessary meetings.

When Should a Responsibility Assignment Matrix Be Created?

The responsibility assignment matrix would be created at the start of the project. You’d want to have everyone on the project team aware of where they stand in terms of their involvement before they start executing tasks.

As much as its use is a preventative measure, it can be used prescriptively. If you’re deep into the project and things are not moving as planned, there could be communication gridlock. If team members are not in the loop, or misconstrue what they’re supposed to be doing, using a responsibility assignment matrix might untie up those knots in the communication channel.

If there’s a problem with leadership overruling suggestions on how to advance the project and this is seen as a problem, it’s likely that the roles and responsibilities of the project team need refining. The responsibility assignment matrix defines who has authority to make decisions and using it or revisiting can determine if the right people are in that position.

In fact, any of the definitions might need reexamining at any phase in the project. Perhaps tasks are falling behind schedule. This could be because team members aren’t aware of what tasks they own. Anytime a delay occurs, returning to the assignment matrix is a good first step, even if you went through the process as you should during the planning stage of the project.

How to Create a Responsibility Assignment Matrix

The actual making of a responsibility assignment matrix is not as difficult as getting everyone on board with what their roles and responsibilities are.

Therefore, you want to include your team in the process, get their input and eventually buy-in without spending too much time and energy on the process. Follow these steps to make sure everyone is in agreement and you’ll have a successful responsibility assignment.

• Identify all the participants involved in the project, from team members to stakeholders and everyone in between.
• List all deliverables associated with the project. Use a work breakdown structure to make sure you don’t miss any.
• Meet with team members on how to execute the tasks to create the deliverables. Every task needs to be discussed in terms of the team’s responsibility and authority.
• Draft the responsibility assignment matrix using a table with the project tasks listed on the left-hand column. Across the top add the name of everyone in the project.
• Where the tasks meet the project team member, assign whether they’re responsible, accountable, consulted or informed.
• When completed, share the responsibility assignment matrix with the project team and stakeholders and hold a meeting if necessary to make sure everyone understands their part in the project. If you’re working in a shared space, print out a copy and post it.

Free Responsibility Assignment Matrix Template

Using a RACI template is a shortcut that sets up your team and the project for success. ProjectManager is more than an award-winning software that organizes tasks, teams and projects to streamline work and boost productivity, it’s also the online hub for all things project management.

Among the hundreds of blog posts, guidebooks and tutorial videos are dozens of free templates that can help you through every phase of your project’s life cycle. Using our free RACI template will help you guide all the project teams better, allowing them to know where they stand in relation to the project and what their level of responsibility and accountability is.

Use it at the start of the project to avoid delays and untangle any communicative knots that are preventing the project from progressing as planned. To keep your project on track, download our free RACI template and get a head start on building a workable responsibility assignment matrix.

Best Practices

Using our free RACI template is a good start, but you have to make sure you fill it in correctly. A responsibility assignment matrix is only as good as the effort put into creating it. Here are some best practices to apply when you’re in the process of building your assignment matrix.

• Involve the team: They’re the ones who will be executing the work. You want their input and buy-in to avoid any costly mistakes or time-consuming questions about what wasn’t made clear at the beginning of the project.
• Identify every single task: Identify all the tasks required to reach your final deliverable. Once you have that thorough list make sure that there is only one person on the team who is accountable.
• Update your RACI regularly: Make sure that each new one is clearly marked as the most current version and is distributed to everyone on the team. There will be times when you’ll want to revisit the responsibility assignment matrix or changes in personnel will require an edit.
• Share responsibility viably: One person shouldn’t have to shoulder the bulk of the responsibilities for the project and you want to give authority throughout the project team and not just among the very top management team.
• Optimize tasks: Managers can use the RACI matrix to see if too many team members have been assigned to a task. Maybe these workers could be spread out for greater productivity. There could be too many people listed as consulted, which slows down the process. The assignment matrix is endlessly useful.

How ProjectManager Helps You Manage Projects Better

ProjectManager is a cloud-based tool that connects everyone in real-time to facilitate planning, monitoring and reporting on the project. It works to give everyone on the project team a job and the knowledge as to where they have authority and when to consult others, as well as defining the reporting process.

Let’s look at the people who are responsible, for example, the team who execute the project. Once invited into the software, you can share the project plan, assign them tasks, add detailed direction, add a deadline and tag for priority and more. The teams can then collaborate by attaching files and images to the tasks and commenting in real-time to work better together.

Those who need to stay informed of the project can do so by also getting invited into the project and sharing plans and schedules with them. Stakeholders can stay updated with reporting features that can generate reports on project variance, cost, time and more with one click. Then share them as a PDF. Reports can even be quickly filtered to zero in on the data stakeholders are interested in.

The responsibility assignment matrix can help you reallocate your resources when things aren’t progressing as planned. Use our software to get further insight. The resource management features include a workload chart that’s color-coded so it’s easy to see who has too many tasks and who can take on more work. Then you can simply reallocate those resources from the workload page to help your team work more productively.

ProjectManager gets you organized, keeps your team focused on their tasks and stakeholders in the loop. Gain efficiencies throughout every aspect of your project’s life cycle with an online Gantt chart to schedule work and kanban boards, a visual workflow feature that provides transparency into production. All that and it’s on a collaborative platform to keep everyone connected. Try ProjectManager today for free.

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Understanding the Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RACI Matrix)

The Responsibility Assignment Matrix also referred to as RACI Matrix or Responsibility Accountability Matrix is a key tool an organization can use to ensure successful completion of projects. The matrix helps managers know who plays what role or performs which duties during a project.

If this isn’t clearly defined it can lead to a common problem when carrying out projects, where conflicts arise over who is to do what, some team members having more workload, understaffing of the project and so on. That is why the RACI matrix comes in handy in project management . By developing the matrix a manager can ensure everybody knows what is expected of them and team members stick to specific roles assigned to them, therefore avoiding confusion and problems in the project.

The Four Roles in RACI Matrix

RACI is an acronym for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed  the four roles team members can be assigned in a project. In the matrix, tasks are listed in the first column and project members in the top row of the table.

The Acronym RACI Stands For:

Responsible (r).

This refers to the individual who will perform a task. Each task has to have at least one person who completes it. If an R is missing in any of the matrix rows that task has not been assigned to anyone creating a gap that needs to be filled immediately. For tasks, they can be several people expected to perform it who then report to the person accountable.

Accountable (A)

This is the individual who is ultimately answerable for the decisions to be made for a task. They most likely are the project manager or a senior official who have final say over the tasks. To be efficient the number of people accountable for each task should not be many. For most projects one listed accountable person is ideal.

Consulted (C)

This is the go-to person for advice on the project.  They should be an expert on matters relating to the project whose opinion is sort before making final decisions or taking certain action. For example, if you are working on technical tasks consultations with the IT administrator for expert advice will be necessary. The number of consultants per task, however, should be minimum. Too many C’s may prolong a task because of a lot of unnecessary deliberations and they might be a risk of poor plan execution.

Informed (I)

These are people in the team who have to be updated on the project progress or decisions. These individuals are in most cases informed once a task is completed and then take the necessary next step i.e. to mark that project as done, once update. Communication with the informed is usually one-way and they don’t contribute directly to the task.

Creating a RACI Matrix (Step-By-Step)

• Identify all project tasks and activities and put this on the left-hand side of the matrix according to how they will be completed.
• Identify all the individuals and groups involved in the project and list them at the top of the chart.
• Figure out who does what-This is a very crucial part of the formation of the matrix. Here the project manager identifies the people to be assigned to each task. While doing this ensure you match skill sets to tasks.
• Develop the matrix- At this stage, you assign team members their association . They will either be Responsible, Accountable, Consulted or Informed for each task. Best practice dictates that you start with the “R’s”- because they are the people performing the tasks necessary to complete the project. Then move on to the “A’s” who are ultimately answerable for the process. Finally, assign the “C’s” and ‘I’s” individuals who have no direct responsibility in the project but are needed for it to succeed.
• Share and discuss the RACI Matrix- when done constructing the matrix send it out to the team members involved and ask for feedback. From their feedback make any necessary changes. By doing this you will be ensuring you haven’t left anything important out and all involved are clear about what is required of them. The final matrix should be one that all stakeholders agree on before starting work on the process.

RACI Example

A company is working on developing an App that will boost its online sales. David is developing this App that will run on software developed by Mark. Simon is overseeing the project as manager and Irene is in marketing. David has the task of coming up with the App so in the matrix, he is the Responsible person. Simon is Accountable and Mark needs to be consulted because his software will run the App. Finally, Irene needs to be informed when the App is ready so that she can take the next step and promote it.

Questions to Ask Before Finalizing Your RACI Matrix

To be certain assignments are reasonable to ask these questions

• Are too many responsibilities given to one person? If so should they be given to someone else?
• Does every task have an appropriate number of consulted and informed?
• Does every role have a responsible and accountable person?
• In the case of complex tasks can smooth decision making be done by one accountable person or should there be more than one to ease decision making?

Once you answer these questions positively you can begin working with your matrix. That, however, doesn’t mean that the matrix should remain the same to the conclusion of the project. You have to constantly re-evaluate it and make changes when the need arises due to work changes over time.

Variations of RACI Matrix

They are other Responsibility Assignment models that add on to this matrix. Examples include :

RASIC – This has the RACI Matrix associations Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed but adds a 5 th association which is Supportive. These are individuals tasked with assisting the responsible party to perform the task.

RACIO – Also has a Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed person but also includes Omitted. This is employees not involved in a task. This helps give clarity and ownership of roles.

RACI-VS – Here two more associations are also included. The two are “Verify” and “Sign off”. Verify, this means reviewing a task at the end to ensure it has been done and completed properly. Sign Off mostly happens at the very end and gives a seal of approval that a task has concluded successfully. These two steps should not be done for all project tasks, it should only be for tasks that absolutely require it.

As a project manager having a RACI Matrix will make you confident that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined for the team. Every task has a person doing it and duplication of work is unlikely to happen.

One of the best things the RACI Matrix helps get rid of is the passing of blame amongst team members because if work is not done it is very clear where the buck stops and who is letting the others down. The RACI Matrix is a good project management tool but it should be noted that it cannot address issues such as poor teamwork or low morale among employees for that you would have to figure out how to motivate the group, maybe by giving rewards for a successful project.

About Sonia Kukreja

I am a mother of a lovely kid, and an avid fan technology, computing and management related topics. I hold a degree in MBA from well known management college in India. After completing my post graduation I thought to start a website where I can share management related concepts with rest of the people.

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What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) in Project Management?

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Introduction to Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)

Project management is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, tasks, and resources. To ensure the success of a project, it is crucial to assign clear roles and responsibilities to team members and accurately define their tasks. 

One tool that can help project managers achieve this goal is the Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM). In this article, we will explore the definition and benefits of RAM, as well as some examples.

If you’re looking for a RAM template that will help you assign roles and clarify responsibilities, Wrike has a customizable template ready to go.

What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) in project management?

A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) in project management, also known as a RACI chart or RACI matrix, details all the necessary stakeholders and clarifies responsibilities amongst cross-functional teams and their involvement level in a project. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed and each letter corresponds to a team member.

A RAM in project management should be referred to by all parties throughout a project because it helps plan an individual’s roles and responsibilities before work begins. A RACI matrix ensures all stakeholders know who is responsible for completing a task or getting feedback on deliverables.

The four roles are broken down as follows:

• Responsible: The person(s) completing the task
• Accountable: The team member coordinating the actions, making decisions, and delegating to those responsible for the task
• Consulted: The person(s) who will be communicated with regarding decisions and tasks
• Informed: The person(s) who will be updated during the project and upon completion

Read more about RACI here . 

Identify and visualize roles seamlessly with Wrike

Responsibility assignment matrix example.

A common RAM   template looks like the example below. Notice how all stakeholders can have more than one role:

Responsibility Assignment Matrix template

Below you can see a powerful RAM template . The chart helps with visualizing roles and workload clearly. Therefore, project managers and team members follow the progress easily and stay on track.

Clarify roles with Wrike

In conclusion, RAM is a useful tool for any project manager who wants to ensure their team is clear on their responsibilities. It helps to establish a structured approach to project management, allowing for better communication, accountability, and ultimately, project success.

Using Wrike’s pre-built template, you can define the roles of each team member so everybody is on the same page. The template will also help you balance your workload and create complete transparency on your team structure.

What is a RACI Chart?

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What is a RACI matrix? (with examples)

Say your team is asked to design a new product feature. Exciting news—but you'll need more information before you get cracking. Who's approving the project, building it, and managing the timeline? The quickest way to collect and communicate that information is a RACI matrix, a diagram that shows who's doing what on your project.

With this guide, you'll discover:

• What a RACI matrix is, and how it assists with project management
• How to improve your project plan with a responsibility matrix
• How to build your own RACI diagram with FigJam's RACI chart template

What is a RACI matrix?

A RACI matrix—often called a RACI chart or responsibility assignment matrix (RAM)—is a project management tool that captures the roles and responsibilities of project stakeholders. Team members can see who does what at a glance, clarifying different roles across complex projects. The acronym RACI stands for:

• Responsible refers to the individual or group performing a particular task. For example, the UX team might be tapped as the responsible party for mapping out specific product design features. Make sure each task has at least one responsible person.
• Accountable refers to the person who ensures a task is completed successfully. To avoid confusion, make sure teach task has only one accountable role. This is usually filled by a manager or a high-level team member with the authority to delegate project tasks.
• Consulted describes individuals whose feedback factors into project workflows, but aren't involved in day-to-day tasks. This includes subject matter experts or decision makers who are consulted for input or sign-off on project milestones. For example, a business analyst may be consulted about competitive research to inform design decisions.
• Informed describes anyone who needs updates on task progress across project phases, but isn't necessarily involved in task execution. For example, developers building design features may need real-time updates on design task completion or setbacks to plan their work.

In this matrix example , the UI designer is responsible for creating the design and the product owner is accountable for making sure that design gets done. The content writer may be consulted, and the CEO is informed about project milestones.

4 key benefits of a RACI matrix

The RACI matrix is commonly used in agile and scrum methodologies because it helps keep complex projects moving toward successful completion in four key ways:

1. Role clarity

By clearly defining Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed roles, a RACI matrix minimizes confusion, ambiguity, and overlap. This ensures that everyone involved in the project is on the same page and understands what is expected of them.

2. Communication

A RACI matrix outlines who should be consulted and informed at every stage of the project. This invites open and consistent communication—the lifeblood of any team project.

3. Efficiency

Outlining distinct roles and responsibilities with a RACI chart helps streamline team efforts and clarify project tasks, helping your project run smoother and faster.

4. Accountability

When you put your RACI matrix on your project dashboard, everyone can see who's responsible for which tasks and project deliverables. This establishes shared accountability, fostering teamwork and ownership among team members.

How to build a RACI matrix in 5 steps

You can create a RACI matrix for effective project management in five steps using this RACI matrix template in FIgJam.

• Outline all tasks. Start by listing all the tasks or deliverables for the project. In the first column of your table, prioritize and arrange tasks in the order they must be accomplished.
• Identify project team members. Name all team members or stakeholders involved in the project. List them across the top row.
• Assign project roles. For each specific task, assign RACI roles (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) to the appropriate team member. Make sure to assign one accountable person per task, to keep project progress on track.
• Review and revise. Double check that each project task is identified and every team member's role is represented. Leaving out tasks or roles can create confusion and leave project gaps. Plan regular reviews to update the matrix with ongoing changes, like completed tasks, role shifts, or new tasks.
• Communicate and implement. Whenever possible, involve the whole team in the creation of the RACI matrix. To build buy-in and understanding. Once project team members and stakeholders sign off on the matrix, incorporate the tasks into your project management process.

3 alternative approaches to RACI charts

While the RACI model is widely used, this exhaustive list provides alternatives. These three may be more suitable depending on a project's or organization's needs:

• RAPID : This methodology created by Bain & Company coordinates decision-making in five steps: Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, Decide.
• DACI : This framework aids group decision-making by assigning specific roles: Driver, Approver, Contributor and Informed.
• RASCI : This variation of the RACI model acronym includes an additional "S" for Supportive team members.

Jumpstart your RACI matrix with FigJam

To make your own RACI matrix, try the free FigJam RACI matrix template . Then finesse your matrix with these pro tips:

• To get your team involved with your RACI, use FigJam's collaborative features like stamps, stickers, emotes, and high-fives .
• Transform tasks and deliverables into actionable to-dos with FigJam's task management widgets, project management integrations, and Gantt chart maker .
• Customize your matrix with brand elements from your company's Figma brand library.
• For more inspiration, browse the library of RACI matrix templates shared by the Figma design community.

Ready to assign project roles and responsibilities?

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Having a flow chart can help visually represent actions or people in a complex situation.

How to create a project status report

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The RACI matrix: Your blueprint for project success

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

Having managed and rescued dozens of projects, and helped others do so, I’ve noted that 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 project participant and key stakeholder. No matter how detailed and complete a project plan may be for any project, confusion or omission of participant roles and responsibilities will cause major problems.

Enter the RACI matrix. The simplest and most effective approach I’ve seen and used to define and document project roles and responsibilities is the RACI model. Integrating the RACI model into an organization’s project life cycle (PLC) creates a powerful synergy that enhances and improves project outcomes.

What is a RACI matrix?

The RACI matrix is a project role and responsibility assignment chart that maps out every task, milestone, or key decision involved in completing a project 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.

In almost 100 percent of my project rescue efforts, I have found that 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.

[ Learn why IT projects still fail at an alarming rate, beware the 12 project management myths to avoid , and find out how to pick the right project management methodology for your team . | Get the latest project management advice by signing up for our CIO newsletters . ]

RACI matrix roles

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

The four roles that stakeholders might play in any project 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 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 kept “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.

How to create a RACI matrix

The simple process for creating a RACI model includes the following six steps:

• Identify all the tasks involved in delivering the project and list them on the left-hand side of the chart in completion order. For IT projects, this is most effectively addressed by incorporating the PLC steps and deliverables. (This is illustrated in the example below.)
• Identify all the project stakeholders and list them along the top of the chart.
• Complete the cells of the model identifying who has responsibility, accountability and who will be consulted and informed for each task.
• Ensure every task has at least one stakeholder Responsible for it.
• No tasks should have more than one stakeholder Accountable . Resolve any conflicts where there is more than one for a particular task.
• Share, discuss and agree the RACI model with your stakeholders at the start of the project. This includes resolving any conflicts or ambiguities.

RACI matrix example

For purposes of simplification, let’s say your project can be broken down into four discrete tasks, undertaken by a team of application developers, along with a sponsoring project executive, project manager , business analyst , and technical architect.

Step 1 of the process involves mapping out the project as a whole. For this, the project manager is both accountable and responsible for the work at hand. To determine the scope and deliverables of the project , the project manager consults with the project’s executive sponsor and with the business analyst about the process to be overhauled as part of the project. The technical architect and the application developers are subsequently informed of the project plan.

In Step 2, the business analyst must then delve more deeply into the process to help map out each facet of the business process to be overhauled. The business analyst is thus responsible for the task, with the project executive being accountable for signing off on this work. To better understand the technical underpinnings of the current process, the business analyst will consult with the technical architect. The project manager and application developers will then be informed of the conclusions derived from this portion of the project.

Here is an illustration of a simplified RACI model for this example project, taking these first two steps into account:

The subsequent third and fourth tasks involve shaping the new process, again with the business analyst responsible for this work, and the other roles on the team following their same responsibilities when the old process was being analyzed in Step 2. Step 4 sees the technical architect taking over, devising a new architecture that will support the new process, signed off by the executive sponsor, and held accountable by the project manager, who devised the scope and deliverables in Step 1.

RACI matrix template

Templates are available for free on the web for those looking to get started with the RACI model. These are typically geared toward Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, but can also be available for more specialized software. Here are several popular possibilities:

• Vertex 42 Excel RACI templates
• Projectmanager.com Excel RACI templates
• Smartsheet Excel RACI templates
• ClickUp RACI templates
• Excel Downloads RACI templates

RACI vs. RASCI

RASCI is another type of responsibility assignment matrix used in project management. It retains the four core roles of RACI — Responsible , Accountable , Consulted , and Informed — but adds a fifth: Supportive . The Supportive role in a RASCI chart is responsible for providing assistance to those in the Responsible role. This may involve providing additional resources, expertise, or advice to help the Responsible party complete a particular task. Organizations that choose RASCI often do so to ensure that personnel who may not have direct responsibility or accountability but are nevertheless vital to the success of an activity or project are considered a notable facet (and cost) of the project. Individuals or entities that consult on a particular phase of a project, whether internal or external to the organization, provide an example of Supportive resources.

RACI matrix rules and best practices

Simply creating a RACI matrix is not enough. You must ensure that the matrix maps to a successful strategy. Here, certain rules should be followed, and conflicts and ambiguities in the plan must be hammered out.

When building out your RACI matrix, the following three rules should be applied:

• Every task must have at least one Responsible party.
• To ensure clear decision-making, each task should have only one Accountable person.
• Every team member should have a role on each task, even if it is just to be Informed.

Resolving conflicts and ambiguities in a RACI matrix involves looking across each row and up and down each column for the following:

Analysis for each stakeholder:

• Are there too many R’s : Does one stakeholder have too much of the project assigned to them?
• No empty cells : Does the stakeholder need to be involved in so many of the activities? Can Responsible be changed to Consulted , or Consulted changed to Informed ? I.e., are there too many “cooks in this kitchen” to keep things moving? (And if so, what does that say about the culture within which this project is being managed?)
• Buy-in : Does each stakeholder totally agree with the role that they are specified to play in this version of the model? When such agreement is achieved, that should be included in the project’s charter and documentation.

Analysis for each PLC step or deliverable:

• No R’s : Who is doing the work in this step and getting things done? Whose role is it to take the initiative?
• Too many R’s : Is this another sign of too many “cooks in this kitchen” to keep things moving?
• No A’s : Who is Accountable ? There must be one ‘A’ for every step of the PLC. One stakeholder must be Accountable for the thing happening — “the buck stops” with this person.
• More than one A : Is there confusion on decision rights? Stakeholders with accountability have the final say on how the work should be done and how conflicts are resolved. Multiple A’s invite slow and contentious decision-making.
• Every box filled in : Do all the stakeholders really need to be involved? Are there justifiable benefits in involving all the stakeholders, or is this just covering all the bases?
• A lot of C’s : Do all the stakeholders need to be routinely Consulted , or can they be kept Informed and raise exceptional circumstances if they feel they need to be Consulted ? Too many C’s in the loop really slows down the project.
• Are all true stakeholders included in this model : Sometimes this is more of a challenge to ensure, as it’s an error of omission. This is often best addressed by a steering committee or management team.

RACI matrix in project management

It is the above analyses, which are readily enabled by the use of a RACI matrix, that deliver the real benefit of the model. It is the integration of the model with a specific PLC that ensures that the project is structured for success. Without either component, problems with the structure of the project management process may remain hidden until (or even while…) they cause the project to bog down. Making the time and effort to create a customized PLC/RACI for each significant project is an opportunity to design your project management process for project success.

More on project management:

• Project management guide: Tips, strategies, best practices
• What is a project manager? The lead role for project success
• 5 early warning signs of project failure
• 12 project management myths to avoid
• 16 tips for a smooth switch to agile project management

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With more than 25 years of corporate leadership experience and 6 years of executive coaching expertise, Bob Kantor is the founder of Kantor Consulting Group . Through his company's executive coaching and leadership development programs, Bob supports IT and STEM professionals transitioning from managing technology to leading people with innovation and confidence.

It’s rare for technology-driven organizations today to be limited by or constrained in what they can accomplish based on their technology skills. Rather, it’s the soft skills of those in leadership positions that typically create bottlenecks, miscommunication, re-work and ultimately, projects that are over budget and behind schedule. These are all areas where Bob’s programs enable clients to gain traction and get things turned around.

Bob has experience in leadership coaching for over 150 IT executives and managers at Bloomberg, and over 60 senior IT leaders at companies like DISH Network, Chevron, PayPal, eBay, Toyota, Aetna, Sysco, Unilever, SunTrust Bank, The Walt Disney Company and Molina Health Care.

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What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) in Project Management?

Fahad Usmani, PMP

March 30, 2024

A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) in project management is a key document that distinguishes stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities. The RACI chart is the most popular example of a RAM that clarifies stakeholders’ roles and defines their involvement.

RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. Each team member in the RACI chart has at least one role.

All stakeholders refer to RAM in case of conflict regarding the roles and responsibilities in assignments or duties. RAM helps reduce conflict in projects to a great extent. Using this document, every team member will know their roles and the responsibilities of other team members.

The roles in the RACI matrix are as follows:

• Responsible: This stakeholder is responsible for completing the task.
• Accountable: This stakeholder is accountable for the task. They will make decisions and delegate work to the stakeholders who are responsible for completing the task.
• Consulted: These stakeholders will be consulted on any decisions made about the task.
• Informed: These stakeholders only require an updated status report on the progress of the task.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix Example

As I said, the RACI chart is the most popular example of RAM.

The table below shows the RAM example using the RACI chart:

Some other less-popular responsibility assignment matrix examples are as follows:

• RASCI Chart: This chart is also known as the “RASCI matrix,” as the letter S is added, which means “supportive.” 
• DACI Chart: DACI stands for “Driver, Approver, Contributor, and Informed.” 
• RAPID Chart: RAPID stands for “Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, and Decide.” 
• CARS: CARS stands for “Communicate, Approval, Responsible, and Support.” 
• CLAM: CLAM stands for “Contribute, Lead, Approve, and Monitor.” 

Responsibility Assignment Matrix Template

The table below shows the basic template for the responsibility assignment matrix.

RAM is a key tool in project management . It helps the project manager assign roles and responsibilities. Additionally, it ensures that the team stays on its path and that no one interferes with each other’s roles. Finally, RAM ensures that every task has responsible and accountable stakeholders assigned to it.

This topic is important from a PMP exam point of view.

I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.

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RACI Matrix

The RACI Matrix is a fundamental tool used in the field of Product Management and Operations. It is a responsibility assignment matrix that clarifies roles and responsibilities in cross-functional or departmental projects and processes. The acronym RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, which are the key roles identified in this matrix.

The RACI Matrix is a simple yet powerful tool that can help streamline operations and improve efficiency in product management . It is particularly useful in large teams or complex projects where multiple stakeholders are involved. By clearly defining who is responsible for what, the RACI Matrix helps to avoid confusion and conflict, ensuring that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

RACI Matrix: An Overview

The RACI Matrix is a type of responsibility assignment matrix that is used to clarify roles and responsibilities in project management and operations. It is a visual representation of who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task or process in a project.

The RACI Matrix is a tool that helps to eliminate confusion and ensure that everyone involved in a project understands their roles and responsibilities. It is particularly useful in large teams or complex projects where there are multiple stakeholders involved. The RACI Matrix helps to ensure that tasks are not overlooked and that everyone knows who is responsible for what.

Components of RACI Matrix

The RACI Matrix is made up of four key components: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. Each of these roles has a specific meaning and purpose within the matrix.

The Responsible role is the person or team who does the work to complete the task. They are the ones who are actually performing the task or process. The Accountable role is the person or team who is ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the task. They are the ones who have the final say on how the task is completed.

The Consulted role is the person or team who provides input and advice on the task. They are typically subject matter experts who are consulted before a decision or action is taken. The Informed role is the person or team who needs to be kept informed about the progress and results of the task. They are typically stakeholders who need to be kept in the loop but do not have a direct role in the execution of the task.

Importance of RACI Matrix in Product Management & Operations

The RACI Matrix is a crucial tool in product management and operations. It helps to clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring that everyone involved in a project knows what they are supposed to do and when they are supposed to do it.

By clearly defining who is responsible for what, the RACI Matrix helps to prevent confusion and conflict. It ensures that tasks are not overlooked and that everyone knows who is accountable for the completion of each task. This can help to improve efficiency and productivity, as well as reduce the risk of errors and delays.

Role Clarity

The RACI Matrix provides clear and concise definitions of who is responsible for what in a project. This can help to eliminate confusion and ensure that everyone knows what their role is. This can be particularly useful in large teams or complex projects where there are multiple stakeholders involved.

By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, the RACI Matrix can help to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. It ensures that everyone knows who is accountable for what, and who needs to be consulted or informed about certain tasks or processes. This can help to improve communication and collaboration within the team, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

Efficiency and Productivity

The RACI Matrix can help to improve efficiency and productivity in product management and operations. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, it ensures that tasks are not overlooked and that everyone knows what they need to do and when they need to do it.

This can help to streamline operations and reduce the risk of errors and delays. It can also help to ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently, as everyone knows who is responsible for what and can focus on their own tasks and responsibilities.

How to Create a RACI Matrix

Creating a RACI Matrix is a straightforward process. The first step is to identify all the tasks or processes that need to be completed in the project. These tasks should be listed down the left-hand side of the matrix.

Next, identify all the people or teams who will be involved in the project. These should be listed across the top of the matrix. Once you have identified all the tasks and people, you can start to assign roles.

Identifying Tasks and People

The first step in creating a RACI Matrix is to identify all the tasks or processes that need to be completed in the project. These tasks should be specific and clearly defined, and they should be listed down the left-hand side of the matrix.

Once you have identified all the tasks, the next step is to identify all the people or teams who will be involved in the project. These should be listed across the top of the matrix. It is important to include everyone who will have a role in the project, even if their role is minor or indirect.

Assigning Roles

Once you have identified all the tasks and people, the next step is to assign roles. For each task, you need to identify who will be Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. This should be done by placing the appropriate letter (R, A, C, or I) in the corresponding cell of the matrix.

It is important to be clear and specific when assigning roles. Each task should have at least one person who is Responsible and one person who is Accountable. However, not every task will require someone to be Consulted or Informed. It is also important to avoid overloading people with too many responsibilities, as this can lead to confusion and inefficiency.

Examples of RACI Matrix in Product Management & Operations

There are many examples of how the RACI Matrix can be used in product management and operations. Here are a few examples to illustrate how this tool can be used in practice.

Product Development

In a product development project, the RACI Matrix can be used to clarify roles and responsibilities at each stage of the process. For example, the product manager might be Responsible for defining the product requirements, while the engineering team might be Accountable for developing the product to meet these requirements.

The marketing team might be Consulted on the product's market positioning, while the sales team might be Informed about the product's development progress. By clearly defining these roles and responsibilities, the RACI Matrix can help to ensure that the product development process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Operational Process

In an operational process, the RACI Matrix can be used to clarify roles and responsibilities for each task or process. For example, the operations manager might be Responsible for overseeing the process, while the team leaders might be Accountable for ensuring that their teams complete their tasks correctly and on time.

The quality assurance team might be Consulted on any issues or problems, while the senior management might be Informed about the process's progress and results. By clearly defining these roles and responsibilities, the RACI Matrix can help to ensure that the operational process runs smoothly and efficiently.

The RACI Matrix is a powerful tool that can help to clarify roles and responsibilities in product management and operations. By clearly defining who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task or process, it can help to eliminate confusion, improve communication, and increase efficiency and productivity.

Whether you are managing a product development project or overseeing an operational process, the RACI Matrix can be an invaluable tool to help ensure that everyone knows what they need to do and when they need to do it. By using this tool effectively, you can help to ensure that your projects and processes run smoothly and efficiently, and that your team works together effectively towards a common goal.