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This classic RACI matrix example shows how responsibilities could be designated among a small team
developing and managing a website that will target visitors for follow-up sales. Notice in this
example that the roles of accountable and responsible can be held by the same person especially when the team is
small. The matrix includes color coding for the roles to enable the project manager to quickly assess the balance
in assignments across multiple tasks. A simple variation of the RACI matrix known as the DACI matrix substitutes
the role of driver for the responsible role and focuses on delegating responsibilities across the decision-making
continuum. An illustration of a DACI matrix used to assign decisions relating to the logistics of setting up a
meeting of a board of directors is contained in this article explaining the DACI Model.
Analyzing the Matrix
Once the RACI matrix has been chosen and filled in, the project manager can conduct vertical and horizontal analyzes to see if the matrix is balanced. The project manager should at the minimum ask:
1. Are there too many Rs or As which could ignite a turf war?
2. Is a task missing a R or an A, sending up a red flag that something may fall through the cracks?
2. Are there too many Cs which could put the project schedule into extra innings with the time required to solicit everybody's input?
4. Are there enough Is so that the people involved in the next phase of the project can begin working without having to crash the project schedule?
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Responsible [R] – This is the person, or group, who is responsible for performing a task. Bear in mind the old adage that when nobody is responsible for getting something done then nothing gets done. Also, a similar situation can occur when too many people are potentially responsible with little to no coordination and oversight to ensure that the task is completed. Another issue to consider is when a person has lots of “R’s”. Are they doing too much?
Accountable [A] – This is the person who is held accountable for the task being complete. In some cases, risks can be managed by segregating the responsible and accountable roles. In general, one person should be accountable for a task being performed. At the same time, if a person is accountable for most of the steps in a procedure, one must consider if there is a segregation of duties issue wherein the person(s) control an excessive amount of the procedure.
Consulted [C] – These are the people communicated with prior to a task being performed. Essentially, their input is sought after and factored in prior to action taking place. As the number of parties consulted with increases, the speed with which action can be taken decreases. Conversely, too few and improper decisions may be made
Informed [I] – These are the parties who are notified about a task after it has been performed. If the correct parties aren’t informed in some situations, then incidents can arise from groups wondering what changed. At the same time, if there are lots of people being informed, is it necessary?
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