Explanation
RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The matrix puts tasks or processes in the rows and roles in the columns, and each cell gets an R, A, C, I or stays empty. Responsible does the work. Accountable is ultimately answerable, decides and approves. Consulted is asked for input beforehand, in two directions. Informed hears afterwards what was decided or done, in one direction.
The rule of thumb is exactly one A per task, so there is one point of contact, and at least one R. A and R may sit with the same role. Too many C's slow down decisions, too few leave knowledge unused. A well-known variant is RASCI, with an S for Support: someone who helps with the execution without carrying the task.
Put roles in the matrix rather than names, so it stays valid when staff change. ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 expect, in clause 5.3, top management to assign and communicate responsibilities and authorities. The RACI matrix is a common tool for that, not a mandatory format.
Use the matrix for processes that cross departments, for new processes and when an audit or gap analysis shows that nobody is the owner. It differs from a job description: that describes everything about one role, while the matrix shows all roles involved in a process side by side.
Example from practice
In the process 'Handle a non-conformity', the department manager is Responsible for the repair and the quality manager is Accountable for the handling and closure. The production manager is Consulted on the cause and management is Informed through the monthly overview.
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