DACI is a decision-making framework used in project management to clearly define who is involved in a decision and what role they play. It reduces ambiguity, speeds up alignment, and prevents decision bottlenecks.
DACI stands for:
- D – Driver
- A – Approver
- C – Contributors
- I – Informed
1. Driver
Who they are:
The person responsible for driving the decision process forward.
What they do:
- Define the problem
- Gather input
- Coordinate discussions
- Document options
- Recommend a decision
- Ensure timelines are met
Important: The Driver does not necessarily make the final decision.
2. Approver
Who they are:
The single person accountable for making the final decision.
What they do:
- Review recommendations
- Resolve disagreements
- Make the final call
- Own the outcome
Best practice: There should be only one Approver to avoid confusion or stalemates.
3. Contributors
Who they are:
Subject matter experts or stakeholders who provide input.
What they do:
- Share data, analysis, risks
- Offer recommendations
- Challenge assumptions
They influence the decision but do not decide.
4. Informed
Who they are:
People who need visibility but are not directly involved.
What they do:
- Stay updated
- Prepare for implementation
- Adjust dependent work
They are notified of the decision after it is made.
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