RACI is an acronym for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. Each of the four components are defined as follows:
- Responsible: a team leader or manager who is responsible for completing the project successfully.
- Accountable: the person who has the final authority to ensure that a task or deliverable is completed successfully.
- Consultant: someone with unique insight the team will consult.
- Informed: a client, executive, or other person who may not be directly involved but should still be kept informed.
This method can be used in other ways. RACI is a base-level matrix of responsibility. Other versions have their own flavors, such as peanut butter, cookies, and more. RASCI adds a 5th level to the matrix, which is support. This could be a senior programmer who is working on another project but has also had unique experience with APIs.
What Does RACI Mean in Project Management?
RACI charts, also known as RACI matrices, are a form of responsibility assignment matrices used in project management. These simple tables or spreadsheets highlight the different levels of responsibility that a stakeholder holds over a specific task or deliverable. They are denoted with the letters A, C, or I.
In general, no one should have more than one responsibility level in the RACI chart for any deliverables or activities. To keep it simple, we have given each person a level of responsibility in this example. When you create a model that includes more than four people there is often more space. Later, we will discuss how the class RACI functions and looks.
Why Do You Need A RACI?
This matrix of responsibility assignment instills confidence in each person responsible because they know what they are doing. According to a 2020 Wellingtone study, this type of stakeholder engagement is crucial. According to a study conducted by Wellingtone in 2020, this type of stakeholder involvement is vital. It was even ranked the most valuable project management process.
RACI is a framework that provides a concrete, intentional way to manage relationships from the beginning to the end. Many stakeholders could be involved in a large-scale project, such as:
- Government regulators
- VIP clients and sponsors
- Company executives
- Business Analysts
- Users of the product
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- Suppliers
- Investors
It is important to map out their responsibilities and share them from the start. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and miscalculations. It will also contribute to your stakeholder engagement efforts.
What should a RACI contain? RACI model guidelines
RACI offers a number of guidelines that will help you successfully implement the method:
- There can only be one person accountable for each task or deliverable.
- Each person can only have one responsibility type. The RACI matrix is more confusing if you do not follow these rules.
- The person responsible for the task must have the authority and the ability to complete it.
- Every task requires only the roles of accountability and responsibility. Not all tasks are complex enough to require outside input or warrant informing others.
- Prioritize communication with the consultant.
- Keep all stakeholders updated. Keep all stakeholders informed.
