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

  1. Delegate early

  2. Delegate to the right person

  3. Fully describe the outcome

  4. Clarify roles

  5. Specify deadlines

  6. Check in regularly

  7. Clarify it now

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsibility_assignment_matrix