What does the acronym RACI stand for in project management?

The acronym RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. This framework is used in project management to clarify roles and responsibilities within a project or process.

Understanding each component of RACI is crucial for effective project execution.

• Responsible refers to the individuals or teams who actually perform the work to complete the task. They are the doers who take action on the project deliverables.

• Accountable indicates the person who has the ultimate ownership of the task. This is the individual who ensures that the task is completed and is often the one who delegates work and makes final decisions. Having a single accountable person helps avoid confusion over authority and responsibility.

• Consulted encompasses those who provide input, expertise, or assistance during the task. These individuals are usually consulted before a decision is made, and their insights help in creating a more informed approach to the project.

• Informed includes those who need to be kept up to date on progress or decisions but are not directly involved in the work itself. Keeping stakeholders informed promotes transparency and ensures alignment across the project.

By utilizing the RACI model, project managers can effectively assign tasks, clarify expectations, and foster communication among team members and stakeholders