The RACI and RASCI models are tools used in project management, business process design, and organizational decision-making to clarify roles and responsibilities within a team or process.
They help prevent confusion about “who does what” by defining accountability and involvement in tasks.
RACI Model
RACI is a responsibility assignment matrix used to define roles in a project or process. It stands for:
- R – Responsible: The person(s) doing the work to complete the task.
- A – Accountable: The person who owns the outcome and makes final decisions (only one per task).
- C – Consulted: People who provide input, advice, or expertise before work is done.
- I – Informed: People kept updated on progress and results.
Example: In a software deployment, the IT team may be Responsible, the project manager is Accountable, the security team is Consulted, and business users are Informed.
RASCI Model
RASCI is a variation of RACI that adds an S:
- S – Support: Individuals who provide additional resources or help to the “Responsible” role.
Example: In the same software deployment, the IT team is Responsible, the project manager Accountable, security team Consulted, business users Informed, and the helpdesk team may be Support, providing extra manpower for testing or rollout.
Key Difference
- RACI: Clear and simple for most projects.
- RASCI: Adds a Support role to clarify who helps with execution but doesn’t carry final responsibility.
When to use RASCI instead of RACI?
- When tasks are complex and multiple groups provide hands-on help.
- When there’s risk of confusion between “Responsible” vs. “helping roles.”