RACI Chart — Role Clarity in Procurement

The RACI chart is popular among many project managers around the world, especially for the role clarity of employees within the organization. However, how do you use it?

In this article, we will tackle the RACI chart and its upgraded version. We are also going to discuss when you should use it and tackle the pros and cons of the RACI+F chart.

Once you finish reading this article, you will have a deeper understanding of the RACI Chart. Thus, allowing you to utilize the matrix better. So without further ado, let’s start!

RACI Chart:What is it?

A RACI chart, also called a RACI matrix, is a chart used in project management to show who is responsible for each task in a project. It’s like a table that lists all the people involved in the project and their roles for each task.

Each role is represented by a letter. Once the roles are defined, the chart helps assign tasks to the right people, so the work can start. RACI helps in aligning team members and clarifying their responsibilities within the procurement process.

RACI+F, an upgraded version of the RACI chart, adds the element of “facilitation” to account for the coaching and educational aspects of agile procurement.

In RACI+F, each role or team member is assigned one of five levels of accountability. The highest level is “Accountable” (A), indicating ultimate responsibility for an item or outcome. Procurement leaders typically carry this accountability, while other team members may share accountability for specific outcomes. “Responsible” (R) designates individuals or roles responsible for performing specific tasks. “Consulted” (C) involves seeking advice or contributions from certain roles, such as procurement analysts. “Informed” (I) participants are kept updated on progress but don’t participate directly. “Facilitate” (F) is unique to agile procurement and refers to the role of a facilitator or coach responsible for removing obstacles and ensuring smooth collaboration.

Using the RACI+F matrix, procurement teams can assign responsibilities. For example, the procurement manager may be accountable for “managing supplier risks,” while other team members, such as category managers, provide input. Beyond role clarity, the RACI+F chart also benefits individual performance management, professional development, and rewards, as accountabilities can be recorded and tracked within role descriptions, base pay levels, and incentives.

Furthermore, the RACI+F chart enables procurement professionals to improve role clarity, align team members, and effectively manage responsibilities within agile procurement processes.

Facilitationin RACI

The +F in the upgraded version of RACI is called the Facilitator or Facilitation. The +F in Raci, as we told you earlier, refers to the role of being responsible for removing obstacles and ensuring smooth collaboration.

This recent addition to the acronym, not initially part of the RACI matrix, often assumes the most vital role.

The +F are individuals that are accountable for bringing together diverse voices, making sure they work well together, and making sure everyone’s ideas count. They create the setup for meaningful teamwork.

Sometimes, it’s useful to have an outside person like a consultant or someone experienced in leading discussions. Other groups like steering teams, partner agencies, or design teams might also take on this role. Technology can sometimes help with this too, making sure the process goes smoothly.