DACI Decision Framework

Overview

Clarify decision ownership and reduce decision thrash using the DACI framework (Driver, Approver, Contributor, Informed). Unlike RACI which focuses on task responsibility, DACI is purpose-built for product decisions -- who drives the decision to closure, who has veto power, who provides input, and who needs to know.

When to Use

• New team formation -- When a new team or cross-functional group needs clear decision-making roles.
• Decision thrash -- When decisions stall because nobody knows who has authority.
• Scaling teams -- When team growth creates ambiguity about who owns what decisions.
• Post-incident -- When a failed launch or missed deadline reveals unclear ownership.
• Reorg transitions -- When role changes create governance gaps.

When NOT to Use

• For task assignment or project execution (use RACI instead).
• For individual contributor work allocation (use sprint planning).
• When decisions are truly one-person (no governance overhead needed).