Responsibility Assignments
RACI - Responsibile - Accountable - Consulted - Informed
Responsibilities can be refined in a RACI matrix:
Responsible
Those who do the work to achieve the task.
There is at least one role with a participation type of responsible, although others can be delegated to assist in the work required (see also RASCI for separately identifying those who participate in a supporting role).
Accountable
This is also the approver or final approving authority.
The one ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the deliverable or task, and the one who delegates the work to those responsible.In other words, an accountable must sign off (approve) work that responsible provides.
There must be only one accountable specified for each task or deliverable.
Consulted
This role is sometimes counsel.
Those whose opinions are sought, typically subject matter experts; and with whom there is two-way communication.
Informed
Those who are kept up-to-date on progress, often only on completion of the task or deliverable; and with whom there is just one-way communication.
Articles / References
7 ways to delegate more effectively
Delegate early
Delegate to the right person
Fully describe the outcome
Clarify roles
Specify deadlines
Check in regularly
Clarify it now
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsibility_assignment_matrix