The RACI Chart

What is a RACI chart?

The RACI chart is a valuable tool to use with self-directed teams and project teams when you wish to be very clear about levels of responsibility and authority.

RACI is a charting system that helps to ensure that all aspects of a plan are identified, managed and completed efficiently and effectively. It is used to plan who does what by identifying those who are Responsible for tasks, those Accountable, who should be Consulted and who should be kept Informed.

This technique, when used properly achieves the following:

• Clear understanding who is Responsible for completion of tasks
• Who is Accountable for achievements of goals and objectives
• Which Stakeholders should be Consulted
• Which Stakeholders should be Informed of actions and progress

When developing the RACI, remember these definitions

‘‘R’’ Responsible: the ‘‘doer’’ of the task, responsible for completing the task or making the decision. Multiple people/teams may have responsibility for completing a task or making a decision.

‘‘A’’ Accountable: the person or team held accountable for ensuring that the task/decision is completed on time and meets expectations. This person does not have to do the task. However, in a team-based environment, the accountability should focus on the ‘‘doer’’ whenever possible. Note that not more than one person or team should be accountable for any task or decision; being accountable to more than one person or team can create not only confusion about expectations but numerous other problems for the team as well. 

‘‘C’’ Consulted: the person/team who will be consulted with by the responsible (‘‘R’’) person/team before performing a task or making a decision.

‘‘I’’ Informed: the person/team who will be informed that a task or decision has been completed or made. Even in traditional management structures, decision-making authority is often not clear. In the excitement of getting started, teams often give themselves much more authority than they truly have or should have based on their development. When the presumed authority is clarified later on, the team often experiences considerable disappointment. It is wise to place clear limits on the team at the beginning and grow the level of authority as the team demonstrates maturity and focus.

The RACI Chart 

Functional Roles (Who does what ? )

Activity: one of a list of tasks, decisions etc. that form the activity list for the plan

RACI Chart Sample 

Agree actual names and who does what

RACI can be used for any job or activity which requires assigning roles or responsibilities

RACI Steps

1. Select the plan, or part of it to which the RACI will apply. Involve as many of the team as possible
2. Use the activity list or create one. The activities should be related to specific goals not to individuals
3. Take each item at a time and allocate RACI. Avoid giving all the Rs and As to the most senior.  Delegate and empower
4. Test each responsibility to complete tasks against the SMART objective criteria.
5. Monitor progress, evaluate results and keep communicating!

RACI Delivers better.... 

– Teamwork
– Cooperation
– Communication
– Less duplication of effort/rework
– Increased productivity - everyone knows what they must do

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