Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI)

RACI, pronounced as "ray-see", is an acronym for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. It is a simple yet powerful matrix used to clarify roles and responsibilities within a project team and essentially a framework for effective project management. By assigning specific roles to each task, RACI ensures that everyone knows their part, preventing confusion, duplication of effort, and missed deadlines.

Understanding the RACI Roles

• Responsible: The person who carries out the task.

• Accountable: The person ultimately answerable for the task's completion.

• Consulted: The person whose input or opinion is sought.

• Informed: The person who needs to be kept up-to-date on the task's progress.

How to Implement RACI

1. Identify the Project Tasks: Break down your project into smaller, manageable tasks.

2. Create a RACI Matrix: This is a simple table with tasks listed in one column and the four RACI roles across the top.

3. Assign Roles: For each task, assign one person as Responsible, one as Accountable, and any necessary individuals as Consulted or Informed.

4. Review and Refine: Ensure that roles are clearly defined and that there are no overlaps or gaps.

5. Communicate Effectively: Share the RACI matrix with all team members to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

Example of a RACI Matrix

Planning and executing a company event scenario.

Task	Responsible	Accountable	Consulted	Informed
Budgeting	Finance Team	Finance Manager	Event Planner, HR	Executive Team
Venue Selection	Event Planner	HR Manager	Finance Team, Executive Team	Entire Company
Activity Planning	Event Planner	HR Manager	Team Leads, Employee Survey	Entire Company
Logistics (Travel, Accommodation)	HR Team	HR Manager	Event Planner, Finance Team	Executive Team, Participants
Food and Beverage	Event Planner	HR Manager	Catering Company, Finance Team	Executive Team, Participants
Team Building Activities	Event Planner	HR Manager	Team Leads, Employee Survey	Entire Company
Post-Event Survey and Feedback	HR Team	HR Manager	Event Planner	Executive Team Export to Sheets

Benefits of Using RACI

• Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Everyone knows their part in the project.

• Improved Accountability: Clear accountability ensures tasks are completed on time.

• Efficient Communication: Reduces unnecessary meetings and email chains.

• Reduced Risk: Minimises the risk of errors and omissions.

• Enhanced Teamwork: Fosters collaboration and cooperation among team members.

Further Reading

RACI Chart Guide: Roles, Examples, and Best PracticesTeamGantt

Top Managers Are Abandoning RACI for Impact DelegationMedium