RAPID Decision-making: a useful variation on the RACI Matrix

The RAPID Matrix is a tool to help clarify who should be doing what during a project, with a particular emphasis on decision-making roles. It helps you avoid any ambiguity over who’s accountable. One of my clients is using this in preference to the more commonly used RACI Matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consult, Inform).

The tool defines roles and responsibilities and helps to clarify decision-making and plan communications with stakeholders. It uses the acronym RAPID:

• Who should recommend a course of action?
• Who must agree to a recommendation before it can move forward?
• Who will perform the actions needed for implementation?
• Whose input is needed to determine feasibility?
• Who decides – brings the decision to closure and commits the organisation to implement it?

Several people might be responsible for performing a task (multiple ‘P’ in a row), but only one person can be accountable (single ‘D’” in a row).  The accountable person owns the decision.

You could include your list of project stakeholders in the row of people to ensure communication with them is not missed and the right decisions get made.

The RAPID Matrix was originally developed by Bain. [RAPID® is a registered trademark of Bain & Company, Inc.]

Here’s a good article on how to use a RACI Matrix.