A RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment tool that clarifies who is Responsible for executing a task, who is Accountable for its completion, who should be Consulted before decisions are made, and who needs to be Informed of outcomes. It is widely used in compliance and governance frameworks to ensure that every obligation has a clear owner and that no critical activity falls through the cracks.
In practice, a well-maintained RACI matrix prevents duplication of effort and reduces the risk of tasks being overlooked during audits or regulatory changes. It is particularly valuable when multiple departments share compliance responsibilities, as it provides a single reference point for escalation paths and decision-making authority.