RACI model

R = Responsible – the one owning the Problem/Project

A = Accountable – who must sign-off (approve) on work before it is effective

C = Consulted – Has information or capability necessary to complete the work

I = Informed – Must be notified of results, but need not be consulted.

There are certain guidelines that should be followed when RACI matrix is created. Tasks or functions have to be named clearly and non-generic (not like “administrative work”), using action verbs (for example, “monitor network performance”).

When you fill the table, you should keep in mind following rules:

• The golden rule of the RACI model is that there should be only one A. Two or more As will create confusion.
• More than two Rs in the same row means duplication of work. In that case try to split the task into smaller pieces.
• No Rs in a row means a gap, because nobody will be responsible and work will not be done. This can also mean that task is not needed.
• If possible, place most of Rs and As at the leftmost side of the matrix. This improves overall clarity of the table.
• Every row must contain one A and one R. However, same participant can be both responsible and accountable at the same time.
• If there is a role with no Rs or As, reconsider if role is needed.

Below are the benefits of using the RACI Matrix for structuring roles in Project Management:

• Many factors can contribute to the under-performance 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 is 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 most-likely find gaps, duplication and confusion. Teamwork will be frustrating, inefficient and you are less likely to deliver good results. In these situations, the delegation of tasks and other responsibilities can be too important to leave to chance.
• 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/ARCI 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.

The RACI Matrix is a responsibility assignment matrix system that brings structure and clarity to assigning the roles people play within a team. It is 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.
It is a system that brings structure and clarity to assigning the roles people play within a team. It is 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. Sounds complicated, how do I use it? Using the RACI system, you list every task, milestone and decision, then clarify who is responsible, who is accountable, and where appropriate, who needs to be consulted or informed. The acronym RACI stands for:

       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 on. 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 decision, but they do not need to be formally consulted, nor do they contribute directly to the task or decision.