Responsibility assignment matrix

A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), also known as RACI matrix (pronounced /resi/) or Linear Responsibility Chart (LRC), describes the participation by various roles in completing tasks or deliverables for a project or business process. It is especially useful in clarifying roles and responsibilities in cross-functional/departmental projects and processes. RACI is an acronym derived from the four key responsibilities most typically used: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.

Key Responsibility Roles

Responsible Those who do the work to achieve the task. There is typically one role with a participation type of Responsible, although others can be delegated to assist in the work required (see also RASCI below for separately identifying those who participate in a supporting role). Accountable (also Approver or final Approving Authority) The one ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the deliverable or task, and the one from whom Responsible is delegated the work. In other words, an Accountable must sign off (Approve) on work that Responsible provides. There must be only one Accountable specified for each task or deliverable. Consulted (sometimes Counsel) Those whose opinions are sought, typically subject matter experts; and with whom there is twoway communication. Informed Those who are kept up-to-date on progress, often only on completion of the task or deliverable; and with whom there is just one-way communication. Very often the role that is Accountable for a task or deliverable may also be Responsible for completing it (indicated on the matrix by the task or deliverable having a role Accountable for it, but no role Responsible for its completion, i.e. it is implied). Outside of this exception, it is generally recommended that each role in the project or process for each task receive, at most, just one of the participation types. Where more than one participation type is shown, this generally implies that participation has not yet been fully resolved, which can impede the value of this technique in clarifying the participation of each role on each task. Role Distinction There is a distinction between a role and individually identified people: a role is a descriptor of an associated set of tasks; may be performed by many people; and one person can perform many roles. For example, an organization may have 10 people who can perform the role of project manager, although traditionally each project only has one project manager at any one time; and a person who is able to perform the role of project manager may also be able to perform the role of business analyst and tester. Matrix Format

The matrix is typically created with a vertical axis (left-hand column) of tasks (e.g., from a work breakdown structure WBS) or deliverables (e.g., from a product breakdown structure PBS), and a horizontal axis (top row) of roles (e.g., from an organizational chart) - as illustrated in the image of an example responsibility assignment (or RACI) matrix.

RASCI
This is an expanded version of the standard RACI, less frequently known as RASIC, breaking the Responsible participation into: Responsible Those who are responsible for the task, ensuring that it is done as per the Approver. Support Resources allocated to Responsible. Unlike Consulted, who may provide input to the task, Support will assist in completing the task. Typical steps in a RACI process: 1. 2. 3. 4. Identify all of the processes / activities involved and list them down the left hand side of the chart. Identify all of the roles and list them along the top of the chart. Complete the cells of the chart: identify who has the R, A, S, C, I for each process. Every process should preferably have one and only one R as a general principle. A gap occurs when a process exists with no R (no role is responsible), an overlap occurs when multiple roles exist that have an R for a given process. 5. Resolve Overlaps - Every process in a role responsibility map should contain one and only one R to indicate a unique process owner. In the case of multiple Rs, there is a need to zoom in and further detail the sub processes associated with obtain resource commitment to separate the individual responsibilities. 6. Resolve Gaps - The simpler case to address is the resolution of a gap. Where no role is identified that is responsible for a process, the individual with the authority for role definition must determine which existing role is responsible or new role that is required, update the RASCI map and clarify with the individual(s) that assume that role.