The Stacey Matrix

The Stacey Matrix. The graph shows how user needs and requirements define your levels of agreement and certainty. Close agreement and certainty leads to a simple solution, less agreement leads to complex and complicated solutions, and little or no agreement or certainty leads to anarchy.

The Stacey Matrix was developed by Ralph Douglas Stacey as a way of understanding the factors that influence a project's complexity, based on two key elements: agreement of requirements and certainty of solution or technology.

The Stacey Matrix places work/projects in four categories: simple, complicated, complex and anarchy. In today's VUCA world, most projects exist in this complex world of 'far from agreement' and 'far from certainty.'

Self-organising teams that make use of an incremental and iterative delivery structure are extremely well-placed to tackle complex problems. The unknown variables of a project become known by consistently delivering value to the customer and receiving feedback.

In much the same way, consistent increments, iterations, and feedback mean that solutions become more customer-centric and more value-driven, while also reducing the amount of time spent focusing on the wrong areas. The adaptability that comes with a self-organising team is crucial to getting to the bottom of problems efficiently and productively.

But what do we mean by customer-centric? Who are the customers and who are the stakeholders? Let’s watch the next video to find out.

When you’re ready, select Next to continue.

The Stacey Matrix

SELF PACED PLATFORM

TRAINING CONTENT

JOB ROLE PATHS

CERTIFICATIONS