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RACI or RAPID, does it matter?

Pick one and apply it consistently. Clarity beats sophistication. Pair it with a decision log so learnings compound.

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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