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The RACI matrix is a project management and work organization tool used to clarify who does what within a project, process, or complex activity.
Its primary goal is to reduce ambiguity, overlaps, and responsibility conflicts, helping teams and stakeholders work in a more coordinated and effective manner.
In this article, we will see:
- what the RACI matrix is and why it is useful
- the detailed meaning of each role (R, A, C, I)
- how a RACI matrix is structured
- practical and commented examples
- how to correctly read a RACI matrix
- common errors to avoid
By the end of this reading, you will be able to interpret a RACI matrix independently and understand its operational purpose.
What is the RACI matrix
The RACI matrix is a table that relates:
- activities or decisions (rows)
- roles or people involved (columns)
At the intersection of activities and roles, the type of involvement is indicated using four letters:
- R – Responsible
- A – Accountable
- C – Consulted
- I – Informed
Each letter represents a different level of responsibility.
The meaning of the RACI letters (in detail)
Fully understanding these four letters is essential to knowing how to read a RACI matrix.
R – Responsible (Operational Responsible)
This is the person who actually performs the work.
- Carries out the activity
- Produces the output
- Can be one or more people
Key question: Who does the work?
The developer who writes the code for a feature is Responsible.
A – Accountable (Authority / Ultimate Responsible)
This is the person who has ultimate responsibility for the result.
- Approves the work performed
- Makes the final decision
- There is only one for each activity (fundamental rule)
Key question: Who is answerable for the result?
The project manager who approves the feature before release is Accountable.
C – Consulted
This is the person who provides input, expertise, or opinions before or during the activity.
- Is actively involved
- The exchange is two-way
Key question: Whom should I consult before proceeding?
The legal counsel consulted to verify regulatory compliance is Consulted.
I – Informed
This is the person who must be kept updated on progress or the outcome.
- Does not participate actively
- Receives communications
- The exchange is one-way
Key question: Who needs to know what is happening?
The management informed about the release of a new feature is Informed.
Structure of a RACI matrix
A RACI matrix has a simple structure:
- Rows → activities, processes, or decisions
- Columns → roles, functions, or people
- Cells → letters R, A, C, or I
Example of general structure
| Activity | Project Manager | Developer | Marketing | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement Analysis | A | R | C | I |
| Development | A | R | I | I |
| Testing | A | R | C | I |
| Release | A | R | I | I |
Practical example: launching a new product
Imagine a project for launching a new product.
Roles involved
- Project Manager
- Technical Team
- Marketing
- Sales
- Management
Main activities
- Product definition
- Development
- Marketing campaign preparation
- Market launch
RACI Matrix
| Activity | PM | Technical | Marketing | Sales | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product definition | A | R | C | C | I |
| Development | A | R | I | I | I |
| Marketing campaign | A | C | R | C | I |
| Launch | A | C | R | R | I |
How to read a RACI matrix (step by step)
- Start from a row (activity)
Ask yourself: for this activity, who does what? - Identify the R
Who performs the work? Without an R, the activity risks not being carried out. - Identify the A
Who is the ultimate responsible person? There must be only one. - Observe C and I
- C indicates who contributes with expertise
- I indicates who should simply be updated
- Assess the balance
- Too many Rs → operational confusion
- Too many Cs → slow processes
- No A → lack of ownership
Fundamental rules of the RACI matrix
- Every activity must have at least one R
- Every activity must have exactly one A
- One person can have multiple letters for the same activity (e.g., R and A)
- The matrix must be shared and understood by everyone
Common errors to avoid
- Using the RACI as a bureaucratic tool
- Including too many unnecessary roles
- Confusing Responsible with Accountable
- Not updating the matrix when the project changes
Why use the RACI matrix
The main benefits are:
- Clarity of responsibilities
- Better communication
- Reduction of conflicts
- Faster decisions
- Greater accountability
Conclusion
The RACI matrix is a simple but extremely powerful tool. It’s not just about "putting letters in a table," but about making responsibilities explicit, improving the way people collaborate.
If you know how to read a RACI matrix, you are able to understand:
- who works on what
- who decides
- who gets involved
- who must be informed
And it is precisely this clarity that makes the RACI one of the most widely used tools in managing complex projects and processes.
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