What does RACI stand for in project management roles?

In project management, RACI is a tool used to clarify roles and responsibilities within a project. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.

• "Responsible" refers to the individuals or roles assigned to perform the task or work outputs. These are the people who are actually carrying out the work.

• "Accountable" identifies the person who is ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the deliverable or task. This person must ensure that responsibilities are assigned and that the task is completed successfully.

• "Consulted" includes those whose opinions or input are sought before a decision or action is taken. This typically involves communication in the form of a two-way dialogue.

• "Informed" refers to those who need to be kept updated on progress or decisions made regarding the task but do not have a role in the decision-making process.

Using the RACI matrix helps to ensure that everyone involved in a project understands their specific roles, which can lead to improved communication and efficiency in executing the project's tasks. This is a fundamental concept in project management that aids in preventing confusion and overlapping responsibilities.