Identifying roles and responsibilities

Generic project DRACI template (XLSX) (last revised March 2023)

The DRACI chart is a template tool that can be used to identify and bring clarity to responsibilities within a role. Sometimes the acronym DRASCI is also used. The acronym stands for:

  • D = Make the decision; commit the organization to action
  • R = Responsible: owns the problem/project; responsible for coordinating and/or doing the activity or work
  • A = Accountable: to whom ‘R’ is accountable (i.e. must sign off/approve on work; answerable for correct and thorough completion of a deliverable)
  • (S = Supportive: can provide resources or play a supporting role in implementation – OPTIONAL)
  • C = Consulted: has information and/or capability necessary to complete the work (i.e., before the activity begins)
  • I = Informed: must be notified of results, but need not be consulted

Typical steps in a DRACI (DRASCI) process include:

  • Identify all of the processes/activities involved and list them down the left side of the chart
  • Identify all the roles and list them along the top of the chart
  • Complete the intersections of the chart by identifying what roles have the D, R, A, (S), C, and I for each process
  • Every process should have one and only one ‘A’ as a general principle.  A gap occurs when a process exists with no ‘A’, an overlap occurs when multiple roles exist that have an ‘A’ for a given process
  • Resolve overlaps: in the case of multiple ‘A’ for a process, zoom in and further detail the sub processes associated to separate the role responsibilities
  • Resolve gaps: the individual with the authority for role definition must determine which existing role is responsible or what new role is required