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Also known as: Responsibility Assignment Matrix, RAM
A responsibility assignment matrix clarifying who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed for tasks and decisions.
DESCRIPTION
A RACI matrix defines decision and execution roles for work items to reduce ambiguity. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. It is widely used in projects, operations, and governance to streamline communication and ensure clear ownership. Variants like RASCI add a ‘Support’ role. Maintaining a RACI helps prevent duplicated efforts, missed handoffs, and stalled decisions.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
Atlassian
A RACI matrix is a simple project management tool used to define roles and responsibilities for tasks and deliverables.
Highlights simplicity and project management use.
Wikipedia
A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM), also known as RACI matrix or linear responsibility chart (LRC), describes the participation by various roles in completing tasks or deliverables.
Notes synonyms and clarifies the matrix purpose across roles and tasks.
RELATED TERMS
Roles and Responsibilities RAPID Governance Operating Model Project Management Stakeholder Management
COMPETING TERMS
RASCI DACI
RELATIONS
- Broader: Matrix
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Collaboration Transformation Process Software Engineering Data Management
TARGET AUDIENCE
IT Project Manager Product Owner Scrum Master IT Manager Solution Architect Data Governance Manager Enterprise Architect
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Responsibility assignment matrix
- PRINCE2 Wiki - RACI chart in PRINCE2 organization theme
- PMI - PMI perspective on RAM/RACI usage
TOP QUESTIONS
When should you create a RACI Matrix?
Create it at project initiation or when reorganizing operations to clarify ownership and decision rights, reducing conflicts and delays.
Category: Timing
What’s the difference between Responsible and Accountable in a RACI Matrix?
Responsible executes the work; Accountable owns the outcome and is the decision-maker. There should be exactly one Accountable per task.
Category: Misunderstanding
How detailed should a RACI Matrix be?
Include key tasks and decisions at the right granularity to avoid bloat. Link detailed procedures elsewhere.
Category: BestPractices
What’s a common mistake with RACI Matrices?
Assigning multiple Accountables creates confusion. Another is overusing ‘Consulted’ causing slow decisions.
Category: Mistakes
How does RACI relate to governance?
RACI formalizes decision rights and escalation paths, aligning with governance policies and compliance requirements.
Category: Governance
When to choose RASCI over RACI?
Use RASCI when support roles are critical to execution clarity, such as operations-heavy work.
Category: Comparison
How is RACI maintained over time?
Review at milestones and after org changes. Keep it versioned and accessible with clear owners for updates.
Category: Management
Can RACI work in Agile teams?
Yes. It clarifies responsibilities across squads and shared services without undermining autonomy.
Category: Opinion
What tools help build a RACI Matrix?
Spreadsheets, wiki templates, and project tools with role-mapping features keep matrices easy to update and share.
Category: Tools