# RAPID Matrix

**Framework:** RAPID (Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, Decide)  
**Use for:** High-stakes decision clarity — typically used for strategic, cross-functional, or recurring decisions where role confusion has caused problems in the past.  
**Time required:** 30–60 minutes per decision set. RAPID is more heavyweight than RACI or DACI — use it where the stakes justify the overhead.

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## The five roles

RAPID was developed by Bain & Company. The roles are designed to clarify who has real authority vs. who has input authority vs. who executes.

| Role | Meaning | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| **R — Recommend** | Proposes a course of action, supported by analysis. Gathers Input, drives toward a recommendation. | Usually 1 person or a small team |
| **A — Agree** | Must formally sign off before the decision can proceed. Has veto power within their domain. | May be 0, 1, or a few — but every A can block |
| **P — Perform** | Executes once the decision is made. Not part of the decision-making; just implementation. | Often more than 1 |
| **I — Input** | Provides facts, data, or perspective that the Recommender uses to build the case. Input is one-way — not a vote, not a veto. | As many as needed |
| **D — Decide** | Has final authority. Makes the call. If there is one D and they decide, the decision is made. | **Exactly 1** |

**The critical distinction from RACI/DACI:**
- The **A (Agree)** role in RAPID is a formal veto within a domain — not just a notification. If Legal must Agree and Legal says no, the decision cannot proceed without resolving Legal's objection.
- The **D (Decide)** is the final authority above all Agrees.

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## When to use RAPID vs RACI vs DACI

| Framework | Best for |
|---|---|
| **RACI** | Task assignment — who does what on a project |
| **DACI** | Decision process — who manages decision-making workflow |
| **RAPID** | High-stakes decisions with multiple formal veto points (Legal, Compliance, Finance) |

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## Project / decision set being mapped

**Decision domain:** _______________  
**Prepared by:** _______________  
**Date:** _______________

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## Stakeholder key

| Abbreviation | Full name / role |
|---|---|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |

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## RAPID Matrix

*Enter R / A / P / I / D for each decision. Every row needs exactly one D.*

| Decision | ___ | ___ | ___ | ___ | ___ | ___ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **STRATEGIC DECISIONS** | | | | | | | |
| Approve annual strategy and budget | | | | | | | |
| Enter a new market or segment | | | | | | | |
| Strategic partnership or contract > $X | | | | | | | |
| Major vendor selection | | | | | | | |
| **PRODUCT DECISIONS** | | | | | | | |
| Product roadmap prioritization (quarterly) | | | | | | | |
| Accept or reject a major product spec | | | | | | | |
| Sunset a product or feature | | | | | | | |
| **PEOPLE DECISIONS** | | | | | | | |
| Hire for VP+ role | | | | | | | |
| Termination of employment | | | | | | | |
| Compensation band changes | | | | | | | |
| **FINANCIAL DECISIONS** | | | | | | | |
| Approve spend > $[threshold] | | | | | | | |
| Approve spend > $[higher threshold] | | | | | | | |
| Approve new cost center or budget line | | | | | | | |
| **[Add your decision areas]** | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |

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## Decision thresholds (document your spend / headcount thresholds here)

| Decision type | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary spend | Up to $___: Manager | $___–$___: Director | $___+: VP/C-level |
| Hiring | Individual contributor: ___ | Manager: ___ | Director+: ___ |
| Contract value | Under $___: ___ | $___–$___: ___ | $___+: ___ |

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## Clarity check

- [ ] Every decision has exactly one **D** (Decide)
- [ ] **A** (Agree) roles are only assigned where that person genuinely has veto authority in their domain (Legal, Finance, Compliance, etc.)
- [ ] **R** (Recommend) is one person who will actually do the analysis and drive the recommendation
- [ ] **P** (Perform) knows they'll be asked to execute — have they been informed of their role?
- [ ] **I** (Input) people understand that their input informs but does not determine the outcome

**Common RAPID anti-pattern:** Everyone is marked A (Agree), which means anyone can block anything. If more than 2-3 people have Agree on a given decision, it's likely to be a governance bottleneck rather than a protection mechanism.

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*RAPID is a decision-rights framework developed by Bain & Company. Covered in the Frameworks & Mental Models Guide on biztechprimer.com.*