We have a RACI matrix, but people still disagree about responsibility. Why?
Responsibility model not appliedTest the matrix against actual decisions and handoffs. Clarify ambiguous accountabilities and ensure the named roles have the authority and capacity to act.
What to do now
- Select a disputed real decision
- Walk through who does and decides
- Resolve overlapping or missing accountability
- Update the working agreement and communicate it
When to escalate
Escalate when
No accountable role can make a required decision.
Who decides
The sponsor or formally delegated governance body
Example
A handover dispute reveals that review responsibility was defined but final acceptance was not.
Mistake to avoid
Treating a completed matrix as proof that responsibility is understood.
Prevent a repeat
Review overdue decisions and confirm that decision makers have the authority and evidence they need.
Suggested ApprovedFlow setup
- Approvals
- Documents
- Projects
Attach the decision brief and evidence to a configured approval route only after confirming the actual authority and delegation rules. See the platform
Related cases
- The project board and product owner disagree. Who decides?Conflicting governance accountabilities
- Who should be accountable when several people approve the same deliverable?Diffuse approval accountability
- Our project plan and backlog disagree about scope. Which is authoritative?Competing scope representations
- Our requirements document is approved, but users still disagree. Why?Approval without shared understanding