• Driver: {who drives the decision}
• Approvers: {who approves the decision}
• Contributors: {whose input is sought (two-way communication)}
• Informed: {who is kept up-to-date on progress (one-way communication)}

DACI for Decision-Making Process

Context and Problem Statement¶

Our team is continuously seeking ways to refine our decision-making processes. We believe clearer roles and responsibilities in this process will enhance efficiency, minimize misunderstandings, and foster collaboration.

Decision Drivers¶

• Clarity of roles -- who is involved in making decisions and who is impacted.
• Simple -- must be easy to explain and understand.

Considered Options¶

• DACI
• RACI
• RAPID

Decision Outcome¶

We will adopt the DACI framework for our decision-making process. DACI stands for:

• Driver: Person driving the project and responsible for the decision-making process. This person should understand the project and facilitate communication among stakeholders.

• Approvers: Individual(s) with the final say. Typically, individuals in this role possess the authority to make decisions.

• Contributors: Those providing valuable input to the decision. Contributors can be anyone with relevant information or expertise.

• Informed: People who need to be aware of the decision once made. These could be team members impacted by the decision or other stakeholders.

At a minimum, we will apply DACI to:

1. Design Documents: To decide on the best design approach.
2. Any/Architectural Decision Records (ADRs): To drive decision-making for system-wide changes.

Pros and Cons of the Options¶

RACI¶

RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. While it provides a similar structure to DACI, the difference in terms can sometimes lead to ambiguity, such as distinguishing between "Responsible" and "Accountable".

RAPID¶

RAPID stands for Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, and Decide. This model emphasizes decision execution but can be overly complex, especially for smaller teams and less hierarchical organizations.

Consequences¶

Adopting DACI is expected to enhance our decision-making process, promoting clarity and efficiency. It requires a learning period and may necessitate adjustments in our workflows. Ultimately, it's anticipated to cultivate a more transparent and efficient environment.

More Information¶

Suggestions for Adoption¶

To migrate to DACI, we can:

1. Present: Conduct sessions to familiarize the team with DACI.
2. Implement Incrementally: Begin with one project and gradually expand its usage.
3. Regular Reviews: Schedule reviews to assess DACI effectiveness and make adjustments.