Teams and workspaces · Taskending editorial team
What is a RACI matrix? Example and responsibility template
A RACI matrix clarifies roles for a deliverable or decision. R performs the work, A is accountable for the outcome, C is consulted and I is informed. The table records an agreement; it does not grant authority by itself.
Updated: · 3 min read
Understand the four roles
Responsible performs the work. Accountable owns the outcome and the associated decision. Consulted contributes before the decision; Informed receives relevant updates. One person may be both R and A for a small task. A practical starting point is one A per row. If formal approval requires several people, describe the sequence separately rather than forcing a complex governance rule into one letter.
Use deliverables as rows
Replace broad departments such as “Engineering” or “Marketing” with outputs such as “Approve acceptance conditions,” “Implement the change” and “Notify the customer.” Use roles as columns. Make multiple roles held by one person visible. A role should be transferable when people change; otherwise the matrix becomes an outdated organization chart rather than a useful working agreement.
Example: deliver a customer report
In the fictional example below, the product owner is accountable for acceptance conditions, the developer implements the change and support manages customer communication. The person sending the update is not expected to approve the technical solution alone. A reviewer contributes where consultation or verification is needed. Adapt the table to your actual approval requirements rather than treating the example as a universal authority model.
Resolve conflicts together
A row without R has no clear performer. A row without A leaves decision ownership unclear. Too many consulted roles can turn every step into a long review cycle. Discuss what information each role actually needs. Reviewing the matrix with the people who perform and receive the work reveals differences between assigned responsibility and available capacity. Do not assume a table completed by one manager creates agreement.
Connect it to issue ownership
In Taskending, the issue assignee follows day-to-day execution. Keep the RACI matrix in a team document or the relevant issue description. Bring consulted colleagues into the discussion when needed instead of assuming everyone must receive every notification. The accountable role in RACI is different from an application owner or administrator role. Manage actual access separately through project and membership settings.
Update it when the workflow changes
Review affected rows when a new team joins, a decision repeatedly stalls or a deliverable changes scope. You do not need to rebuild the matrix every day. In the next delivery, check whether people can identify who decided and who completed the work. RACI complements the progress board and issue description; it does not replace either.
RACI example: customer report delivery
| Deliverable / decision | Product owner | Developer | Reviewer | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance conditions | A/R | C | C | C |
| Implementation | A | R | C | I |
| Outcome verification | A | C | R | I |
| Customer notification | C | I | I | A/R |
R: responsible, A: accountable, C: consulted, I: informed. Agree roles with the team; this matrix does not grant application permissions.
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