What is RACI matrix in project management?

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RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. RACI is a chart and it is used as a Project Management Tool. With the help of the RACI Chart or the RACI Matrix, Project Managers and Business Analysts can clarify the roles of the various stakeholders for various tasks throughout the project.

In project management, it’s a simple spreadsheet or table that puts down all the stakeholders in the project and their level involvement in each task of the project, denoted with the letters R, A, C or I. Once these stakeholders are identified and they are categorized as Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed work can begin.

Here is what each word in RACI Matrix means –

R = Responsible
Responsible means that the task is directly assigned to the particular person. Responsible parties are responsible for the completion of the task. They are responsible for creating the deliverable. Each task should have at least one Responsible person and there is no maximum limit.  

A = Accountable
The person who is accountable for the task has the duty to ensure that the task is started, worked on and completed on time. The accountable person will ensure that the responsible person(s) know what is expected out of them and the outputs are provided in a timely manner. Every task should have no more than 1 accountable person. The accountable parties can be from the management team who are responsible for the working of their teams.

C = Consulted
Consulted parties provide input and valuable suggestions for the project. Consulted parties also provide feedback on the work being done. These parties usually have a stake in the project as it may affect their current or future work. These parties should be consulted before starting the task and during the working of the task to gain their feedback. Every task may or may not require a Consulted party. However, it is always wise to take the inputs from everyone who may be affected by the outcome of the project.

I = Informed
Informed parties are the ones that need to be kept in loop about the tasks of the project without being consulted or being given elaborate details about the project activities. Although not decision makers of the task, they need to be kept informed about the task since the outcome may affect their work. 

The advantages of the RACI Matrix are as follows –

1. Clear expectations and task division can be done by using RACI Matrix.
2. It can aid to avoid multiple people working on the same task in the project.
3. It can help to keep a track of the stakeholders in the project.
4. Pre-defined roles can ensure that there are no conflicts regarding ownership and decision making.
5. By identifying and involving the stakeholders early in the project the BA and Project Manager can know whom to engage at every step of the project.

Following the RACI Matrix can be made very easy by keeping the following basic rules in mind –

1. Every Task has at least one Responsible party.
2. Every Task has one and only one Accountable party.
3. One Stakeholder should be assigned too many responsible tasks to keep the tracking of work easy.
4. There may be multiple consulted or informed stakeholders in the project. In such scenarios, it is advisable to share a common link to access the project to make the communications time efficient.