What is RACI Chart?
A responsibility assignment matrix that clarifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task or decision.
Detailed Explanation
A RACI chart (also called a RACI matrix) maps every task, decision, or deliverable against the people or roles involved, assigning one of four designations: Responsible (does the work), Accountable (ultimately answerable for the outcome — there should be only one A per task), Consulted (provides input before the work is done), and Informed (kept up to date after the work is done). RACI charts are particularly valuable during projects, process redesigns, and organisational changes where roles and responsibilities might otherwise be ambiguous. They can be applied at any level — from a single process to an entire department's operations.
Why It Matters
Unclear accountability is one of the most common causes of work falling through the cracks, duplication of effort, and interpersonal conflict. A RACI chart eliminates ambiguity by making it crystal clear who does what. It is especially powerful in cross-functional processes where multiple teams interact.
Example
A marketing agency creates a RACI chart for their campaign delivery process. The creative director is Accountable, the designer is Responsible for visual assets, the copywriter is Responsible for content, the client manager is Consulted on brief alignment, and the client is Informed of progress. Everyone knows their role before the project starts.
Related Terms
A chart that maps roles and responsibilities against tasks, activities, or deliverables to ensure clear ownership across a project or process.
The obligation of an individual or team to accept responsibility for their activities, decisions, and outcomes, and to report on them transparently.
A structured approach to assigning tasks and authority to team members based on their skills, experience, and the complexity of the work.
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