Raci Matrix in Agile Project Management

RACI and agile are two project management concepts that don’t seem to work well together. Many claim that the way a RACI matrix is structured will not fit within an agile environment.

While not everybody agrees, integrating the RACI matrix has been proven effective in keeping agile teams aligned.

RACI matrix in agile

The RACI matrix is a project management tool used to map out roles and responsibilities within a project team.

In agile project management, the focus is on iterative progress. When RACI matrix is utilized in an agile project, it helps establish clarity on which team member is responsible for which task or action, ensuring all deliverables are completed at every stage of the project life cycle.

RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed — these are the roles assigned to each team member based on the extent and nature of their participation in the execution of the project.

With a RACI matrix in place, everyone involved has a clear picture of what is expected of them, and the project can move forward smoothly.

What is the difference between RACI and agile?

While both are essential for the successful delivery of a project, RACI and agile are different in the way that RACI is a tool that contributes to a successful project, while agile is a the framework used to run a project.

The RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment chart designed to clarify project team members’ responsibility and accountability. Its primary purpose is to ensure all parties clearly understand their role and how it impacts the project outcome.

The agile methodology aims to guide teams through completing projects in incremental and iterative steps — without sacrificing overall goals and work quality. It seeks to enable them to move along the project life cycle faster and more efficiently through close team collaboration and constant customer feedback.

While they serve different purposes, both the RACI matrix and agile methodology allow for better control over the project — on an individual and team level.

How the RACI matrix applies to agile methodology

Whether or not the RACI matrix can be utilized in an agile project remains a subject of debate. Agile project management, after all, prioritizes continuous improvement and close collaboration, while RACI is all about individual assignments that keep teams accountable and allow direction for leaders to know whom to ask about which deliverable.

But even in agile projects, roles exist.

Product owner, agile coach, scrum master, and independent tester are some of the roles often needed in agile. RACI charts can be a great tool for defining these roles — who is responsible for which task or who is accountable for which deliverable? 

Benefits of using RACI in agile projects

Implementing the RACI matrix in agile projects helps teams keep track of who to go to for updates on certain tasks. Having a clear outline of what each team member is expected to do encourages collaboration and allows for smooth communication, especially in projects that involve cross-functional teams.

Additionally, project plans in general are prone to changes and uncertainties, so being able to adapt to changes in scope and requirements is critical for success. When a team has defined roles, when problems arise, it is easy to determine who will take the first action, who will make the decision, and why. 

How to implement the RACI matrix in agile teams    

Start working on your RACI matrix during project planning. Once scope, objectives, tasks, deliverables, and overall project goals have been finalized, create your RACI chart and begin assigning roles to team members. 

R (Responsible): Who is responsible for executing and completing a task?

A (Accountable): Who supervises the execution of the task and who approves the deliverables?

C (Consulted): Who provides input and feedback while tasks are being carried out?

I (Informed): Who has an interest in the result of the project and must be kept informed throughout the process? 

Once all roles are filled, project managers must ensure that everyone knows and understands their responsibilities and their impact on the project as a whole.

If you’re unsure how to set up RACI matrix for your project, here’s a RACI guide to help you get started.

Free agile and RACI roles and responsibilities matrix template

Many project management software solutions offer free agile RACI matrix templates to get you started on integrating RACI in your agile project.

Smartsheet’s agile RACI roles and responsibilities matrix template

This free agile RACI matrix template has color-coded RACI-letter designations so it’s easier for team members to differentiate roles, and allots an area where you can upload photos of your team.

ClickUp’s agile projects RACI chart template

This agile RACI chart template is beginner-friendly and includes up to seven custom fields for roles that you can easily fill out.

monday’s intuitive RACI matrix template

monday’s RACI template is designed to fit the needs of any type of project team. It is easy to navigate and fill out, making responsibility assignment and task delegation easier.

Best tools and software for managing RACI in agile

Jira

Jira is a project management tool with proven efficiency for managing agile projects. It helps teams break down complex work into manageable tasks, with features for tracking each team member’s progress at each stage of the workflow.

As a solution that places emphasis on completing individual work as a way to hit overall goals, Jira allows integrating a RACI matrix into its projects to clarify roles and responsibilities.

While it is technically a third-party app and not a built-in feature, this RACI matrix connects seamlessly with Jira software and helps teams stay aligned as they work toward a shared goal.

Asana

Asana supports Agile frameworks with features for sprint planning, task prioritization, and backlog organization. It also allows users to implement a RACI matrix by creating custom fields for each role within a project. Once roles are assigned, you can track progress and adjust responsibilities as needed.

Using a RACI matrix in Asana enhances team collaboration, improves accountability, and helps prevent delays, ensuring smoother project execution.

Trello

Trello’s user interface makes it easy to implement and manage RACI matrix. Trello has color-coded labels that you can tag with RACI roles. It also has Custom Fields Power-Up where you can add specific fields — such as Responsible Team Member, Accountable Owner, Consulted Stakeholders, and Informed Parties — to make it easier to identify and filter by role with each task.

Another standout feature in Trello is its ability to save board templates. So once you’ve set up a board with mapped out RACI roles, you can save it for reuse for your next sprint cycle.

Limitations of RACI in agile

May not always be useful in dynamic agile environments

Roles are important in agile methodologies, but these roles often change. The agile environment is prone to changes, as it places value on “individuals and interactions over processes and tools,” meaning it prioritizes people and their collaborative efforts than structured processes and tools. RACI, on the other hand, can feel rigid with its fixed roles and responsibilities.

Does not fit the team-based ownership culture in Agile

Agile methodologies encourage teams to own the outcomes of a project. It is about completing individual work while helping others at the same time so you can hit deadlines together. Implementing RACI can cause team members to deflect responsibility. “I’m only assigned this role; I don’t need to assume another member’s responsibilities.” While it does encourage ownership of your own tasks, it undermines the team-based ownership culture that Agile promotes.

FAQs

Bottom line: RACI matrix in agile projects

In a lot of ways, the principles of agile methodology clash with the concept of RACI, but when used strategically, RACI matrix can help teams execute projects better. Even in the constantly changing agile landscape, having a clear picture of who’s responsible and accountable or who’s to be consulted and keep informed helps teams improve delivery, quality, and compliance.