Decision Clarity Matrix
Introduction
The Decision Clarity Matrix is a tool used to clarify who makes decisions, who provides input and who needs to be informed.
It isa critical step in reducing confusion, duplication and delay in both leadership and change processes.
At its core, the Decision Clarity Matrix defines roles and accountabilities for decisions across teams or organisations. It helps distinguish between different levels of authority in decision-making.
A typical version has 4 key roles, similar to the RAPI or RACI frameworks:
|
Role |
Meaning |
Key Question |
|
R – Recommend |
The person or group responsible for researching, analysing and proposing a course of action. |
Who gathers input and suggests a decision? |
|
A – Approve/Accountable |
The ultimate decision-maker who owns the outcome. |
Who has the final say? |
|
P – Perform |
The person or team who implements the decision once made. |
Who carries out the decision? |
|
I – Input/Informed |
Those consulted for their expertise or affected by the decision. |
Who provides information or needs to be kept informed? |
NB Other versions use slightly different terms (eg, Bain & Co.’s RAPID): Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, Decide — but the goal remains: clarity and transparency about who does what in each decision.
Why It Matters
In most organisations, especially during change, decision confusion is a major source of:
- Bottlenecks: Too many people “involved” but no one accountable.
- Rework: Different teams make conflicting decisions.
- Frustration: Staff unsure who can actually approve or to implement it.
- Change resistance: People feel left out of key decisions impacting them.
The matrix makes decision-making visible, while ensuring the right people are involved at the right time.
Structure of the Matrix
The matrix is often presented as a table:
|
Key Decision |
Recommend (R) |
Approve (A) |
Perform (P) |
Input (I) |
|
Select new IT platform |
CIO |
CEO |
IT Team |
Finance, Operations |
|
Define new roles post-merger |
HR |
Executive Team |
HR |
Department Heads |
|
Launch change communication plan |
Communications |
CEO |
Comms Team |
Change Champions |
Each row represents a specific decision; each column defines who plays what role.
(main source: Greg Layton, 2025)