RACI Model: Clarify Roles and Strengthen Stakeholder Communication

When projects get delayed, responsibilities overlap, or key decisions fall through the cracks, it’s usually due to poor management. It could be multiple aspects but sometimes it’s due to unclear roles.

Teams struggle when it’s not clear who is doing what, who makes the final call, and who simply needs to stay informed.

Originally popularized in stakeholder communication frameworks, RACI model helps teams bring clarity, reduce friction, and communicate better.

What Is a Stakeholder?

Identifying your stakeholders is a critical first step. So before dive into RACI, let’s take a minute to see the definition and examples for stakeholders.

A stakeholder is anyone who has an interest in, is affected by, or can influence the success or failure of your project or product. – Paul Stamsnijder, a recognized expert in stakeholder management

Stakeholders fall broadly into two categories: internal and external.

Internal Stakeholders

These are individuals or groups within your organization who are directly involved in or affected by your project. They usually play a more hands-on role in day-to-day decisions and execution.

• Your boss
• Your team members
• Your co-workers
• Senior executives
• Future recruits
• Key contributors

External Stakeholders

These are individuals or groups outside your organization who have an interest in or influence over the project.

• Customers and prospective customers
• Interlocks and alliance partners
• Shareholders
• Suppliers and organizations
• Lenders and analysts
• Government and trade associations
• The press, interest groups, the public, and the community
• Key advisors

Deep Dive into RACI Model

What Does RACI Stand For?

RACI is an acronym that defines four key stakeholder roles:

• R – Responsible: The person/team doing the task or activity.
• A – Accountable: The person who makes the final decision and is answerable for the outcome.
• C – Consulted: Stakeholders who give input and must be consulted before action is taken.
• I – Informed: Stakeholders who must be kept updated on progress or outcomes.

This simple grid keeps teams aligned and avoids duplicated work or missed steps.

Why Use the RACI Model?

Not all stakeholders have the same level of impact or interest in your project. Some need to be consulted early, while others just want to be kept updated.

The RACI model helps clarify:

• Who does the work (Responsible)
• Who owns the outcome (Accountable)
• Who gives input (Consulted)
• Who gets updates (Informed)

Without this clarity, confusion can slow down progress, create misalignment, or damage trust.

How to Communicate With Stakeholders

Once roles are clear, the next step is choosing the right way to communicate with each stakeholder.

Their level of influence and interest will guide this.

Communication Type	Possible Frequency
Meetings	Daily, Weekly, Monthly
Emails	Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly
Phone Calls	As needed, Weekly
Direct Messages (e.g., chat)	Daily, As needed
In-person Conversations	Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly

To decide what’s best:

• Understand what type of information each stakeholder needs
• Ask how they prefer to receive it
• Set the right rhythm for updates

Benefits of Using the RACI Model

Using RACI and a thoughtful communication plan brings major benefits:

• Fewer surprises and smoother project delivery
• Clear ownership of every task
• Stronger trust with stakeholders
• Better understanding of needs and concerns
• Valuable, timely feedback
• Less wasted time and effort
• Expectations met with fewer conflicts

Final Thought

The RACI stakeholder map is a simple tool that brings big clarity. Combined with good stakeholder identification and tailored communication, it turns a complex web of interests into a well-run project with clear roles and smooth collaboration.

By assigning the right people to the right roles—and keeping them informed the right way—you create not just better projects, but better partnerships.

RACI Template

Turn theory into action with our RACI model template.

Available in Templates to download the resource.