RACI or RAPID, does it matter?

What they are

• RACI = Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed. A task-execution and handoff map. Optimises who does what during delivery.
• RAPID (Bain) = Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, Decide. A decision-rights map. Optimises who moves a choice from proposal to final call.
• Both are in the wrong order for flow sequencing, ARCI and IRADP is more realistic, but it is not really a linear exercise
• Useful for diagnosing when things are not happening.

Advantages

• RACI
  • Simple, scalable, good for cross-functional workflows.
  • Prevents “too many cooks” and orphaned tasks.
  • Weakness: doesn’t always say who has the final say, though Accountability should mean you do not need permission. It can bloat the “C” list, and invites too many “R”s if undisciplined.
• RAPID
  • Makes the D explicit, speeds contentious choices, exposes veto points.
  • Clarifies sequencing of voices: Input → Recommend → Agree → Decide → Perform.
  • Weakness: heavier to set up, can over-centralise power, poor fit for routine work.

When to use

• Use RACI for ongoing processes, projects, releases, compliance activities, service runbooks—anywhere handoffs and ownership during execution matter.
• Use RAPID for chunky, one-way-door decisions: new market entry, pricing changes, org design, major vendor selection, policy shifts.
• Both: RAPID to make the call, RACI to execute it.

Quick examples

• Software release: RACI for build/test/deploy roles.
• Choose cloud provider: RAPID to drive the decision; then RACI the migration plan.

Alternatives to note: DACI, RASCI, MOCHA—minor variants; pick for fit, not fashion.

Critical considerations (Pareto extras)

• Keep lists tight (one A, one D).
• Publish the map and review after first use.
• Watch for culture: psychological safety and real escalation paths make these work, not the acronym.

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