Authority Matrix

HR Insights / Strategy & Policy Insights

Authority Matrix Brief

By Mansour Bakr, PHRi, SHRM-CP
Posted 21 January 2018
Revised 22 September 2018

The authority matrix is subject to but not limited to the following guidance:

For any transaction that is not covered under the authority matrix, advice must be sought from the CFO.
The approving authority cannot approve transactions which directly benefits him/her. For example, the approving authority’s expenses claims i.e. item for his/her own use. These transactions must be approved by the approving authority’s immediate superior.
Any amendments, revisions or additions to the authority matrix shall be effective only upon approval by the board of directors.

Authority Interactions Types
There are four types of authority interactions as illustrated below.

Exhibit 1: Sample Authority Interactions Types

Authority Matrix Example
The below is a sample authority matrix that defines a basic procurement process.

Exhibit 2: Procurement Authority Matrix Example

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Facilitating High Performance

Management style & work climate

The Authority Matrix Template is designed to aid businesses with their financial & operational authorities.

This product is editable to add / change based on your business requirements.

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RACI Matrix
A responsibility assignment matrix, also known as RACI matrix describes the participation by various roles in completing tasks for a project or business process. It is especially useful in clarifying roles and responsibilities in cross-functional or departmental processes. RACI is an acronym derived from the four key responsibilities most typically used: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.

Below are the standard definitions for R-A-C-I to expand on the business interface process chart.

Exhibit 3: R-A-C-I Definitions

RACI Example
Lets further understand RACI with an example. A trading company in physical raw sugar defined their core business process activities to provide clarity about the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders for each key task as illustrated below.

Exhibit 4: Physical Raw Sugar RACI

Once the physical raw sugar RACI has been defined and approved, the trading company mapped the physical raw sugar key activities and interface chart to illustrate the flow of the process. This will allow the company to focus on the work rather than on job titles or hierarchy.

Exhibit 5: Physical Raw Sugar Process Map

Exhibit 6: Physical Raw Sugar Interface Chart