Guidelines for Creating a RACI-ARCI Matrix

Guidelines for Creating a RACI-ARCI Matrix (#4 in the series The RACI/ARCI Matrix for Structuring Roles in Project Management)
By Swapnil Gyani

Outcome of the RACI/ARCI process is a two-dimensional matrix, with functions or tasks on one axis and participants or roles on the other. Sample matrix might look like this:

Sample RACI/ARCI MatrixThere are certain guidelines that should be followed when RACI/ARCI matrix is created. Tasks or functions have to be named clearly and non-generic (not like “administrative work”) , using action verbs (for example, “monitor network performance”).

When you fill the table, you should keep in mind following rules:

• The golden rule of the RACI/ARCI model is that there should be only one A. Two or more As will create confusion.
• More than two Rs in the same row means duplication of work. In that case try to split the task into smaller pieces.
• No Rs in a row means a gap, because nobody will be responsible and work will not be done. This can also mean that task is not needed.
• If possible, place most of Rs and As at the leftmost side of the matrix. This improves overall clarity of the table.
• Every row must contain one A and one R. However, same participant can be both responsible and accountable at the same time.
• If there is a role with no Rs or As, reconsider if role is needed.

Swapnil Gyani is a management consultant based in Mumbai, India. He has an extensive experience in managing Organizational Learning and Development, Project Management and Account Implementation in the IT-Enabled Services industry. He now blogs regularly at Insightlopedia, his professional blog.