What does the acronym RACI stand for in stakeholder management?

The acronym RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. This framework is utilized in stakeholder management and project management to clarify roles and responsibilities within a project.

In this context:

• Responsible refers to the individuals or teams who perform the work to achieve a task. They are the ones who are tasked with execution and have the actual responsibility to complete the work.
• Accountable is associated with the individual who is ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the task or deliverable. This person has the authority and oversight to ensure the task is done, and they can include the project manager or team leader.
• Consulted includes those whose opinions or expertise are sought during the task's execution. These individuals provide necessary input and insights, making their involvement critical to the decision-making process.
• Informed consists of stakeholders who need to be kept updated on progress and decisions but do not necessarily provide input or actively participate in the task.

The RACI model helps teams define roles clearly, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities and preventing overlaps or gaps in communication and execution within a project. This clarity is essential for effective project management and stakeholder engagement, leading to better project outcomes.