Responsibility matrix
Definition
A broad term for any structured grid or chart that assigns roles and responsibilities to tasks, decisions, or deliverables — including RACI, RASCI, DACI, and linear responsibility charts.
Responsibility matrix is the umbrella term. RACI, DACI, RASCI, and linear responsibility charts (LRCs) are all specific implementations of the same underlying idea: map who does what on a project so there's no ambiguity about ownership.
Why the generic term exists: Different industries and organizations use different responsibility frameworks. Project managers in construction often use LRCs. Agile software teams use RACI. Corporate strategy teams use DACI (Driver, Approver, Contributor, Informed). When writing across contexts, 'responsibility matrix' is the inclusive term that all audiences understand.
Common variants:
- RACI — Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed. The most common in tech and consulting.
- RASCI — adds Supportive (people who provide resources or assistance but aren't primary Responsibles).
- DACI — Driver (one person who moves the decision forward), Approver (one person who has final say), Contributors (people who provide input), Informed.
- CAIRO — RACI plus Omitted (explicitly excludes parties who should not be involved).
Choosing a framework: RACI for most project and operational planning. DACI when the focus is on decision governance rather than task ownership. RASCI when there's a meaningful distinction between doing the work and supporting the work.
All of these produce a whiteboard grid. Snap it with BoardSnap to get a structured summary regardless of which variant the team is using.
Examples
- A consulting firm standardizes on RACI as their responsibility matrix of choice for all client engagements.
- A product-led company uses DACI for major product decisions and RACI for operational tasks, choosing the right framework based on what's being assigned.
- A project manager draws a responsibility matrix on a whiteboard at a planning session, then photographs it with BoardSnap before the team disperses.
- An enterprise transformation project uses a linear responsibility chart — a variant of the responsibility matrix — to cover hundreds of tasks across 12 workstreams.
Related terms
Snap a responsibility matrix. Ship its actions.
BoardSnap turns any whiteboard — including this one — into a summary and action plan.