RACI matrix
A RACI matrix is a table that maps each step of a process to four kinds of role involvement: Responsible (who does the work), Accountable (who owns the outcome), Consulted (whose input is needed), and Informed (who needs to know). It pairs naturally with a swimlane process map.
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RACI is a tool for clarifying role assignments in a multi-role process. The four letters represent the four ways a role can be involved in a step:
- Responsible (R) — the role that actually performs the work for this step.
- Accountable (A) — the role that owns the outcome and signs off on it. There should be exactly one A per step.
- Consulted (C) — the role(s) whose subject-matter input is required before the step can complete.
- Informed (I) — the role(s) that need to know the step happened, but aren't involved in doing it.
Matrix shape
The matrix has one row per process step and one column per role. Each cell holds an R, A, C, I, or blank. The result reads at a glance: scan a row to see who's involved in a step; scan a column to see what a role is on the hook for across the process.
RACI design rules
A few conventions separate a useful RACI from a confusing one:
- Exactly one A per step. Two accountable roles means no role is actually accountable.
- At least one R per step. Otherwise the work doesn't have an owner.
- Use C and I sparingly. If everyone is Consulted on every step, the matrix stops adding information.
- Roles, not people. The matrix should survive employee turnover.
- Pair RACI with a process map. RACI says who's involved; the process map says when and how.
RACI and swimlane process maps
A swimlane process map and a RACI matrix capture overlapping but different information:
- Swimlane diagram — visual; shows the sequence of steps, the decision points, and the handoffs between roles.
- RACI matrix — tabular; shows the depth of each role's involvement (R/A/C/I) for each step.
Using both together
Together they answer "what happens" (the swimlane diagram) and "who's involved how" (the RACI). Many teams keep both alongside their process documentation — the swimlane diagram lives in the wiki, the RACI matrix in the spreadsheet, both maintained in lockstep.
Building a RACI alongside a process map
Both artifacts can be authored from the same spreadsheet. In ProcessMapping.app, the spreadsheet defines the steps and the swimlane (Responsible) directly. Add extra columns for Accountable / Consulted / Informed to keep the RACI alongside the diagram source.
Frequently asked questions
What does RACI stand for?
Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed. The four ways a role can be involved in a process step.
What's the difference between Responsible and Accountable?
Responsible is who does the work for a step. Accountable is who owns the outcome and signs off on it. Each step should have exactly one Accountable role.
Can a single role be both R and A on a step?
Yes. When the same role both does the work and owns the outcome, mark the cell R/A or A only — both forms are common.
How does RACI relate to swimlanes?
A swimlane process map shows the Responsible role visually (the lane the step sits in). A RACI matrix adds the Accountable, Consulted, and Informed assignments that don't fit on the diagram itself.
Should I build a RACI for every process?
Build a RACI when role confusion is a real risk — multi-team processes, cross-departmental workflows, regulated work. Single-role processes don't need one.
How do I build a RACI in ProcessMapping.app?
Use extra spreadsheet columns alongside the standard step / shape / swimlane columns. The Horizontal Swimlane already represents Responsible; add Accountable / Consulted / Informed columns to keep the full RACI alongside the diagram source.
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