Final answer:
A Responsibility Matrix is better than a WBS when the focus is on roles and responsibilities within a project with multiple team collaborations. It provides clarity and prevents task-related conflicts by defining responsibility levels for each job; whereas, WBS outlines the tasks and deliverables themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
It would be better to create a Responsibility Matrix instead of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) when the project's focus is on identifying who is responsible for which tasks and ensuring accountability, rather than just outlining the tasks and deliverables. A Responsibility Matrix, sometimes known as a RACI chart, is particularly useful in a scenario where multiple departments or teams are collaborating on a project and clarity on roles and responsibilities is required to prevent overlap and conflict.
For instance, in a new software development project, while a WBS is helpful in breaking down the project into manageable chunks like designing, coding, and testing, it doesn't specify who is in charge of each part. If the design team expects the coding team to develop a piece of the interface without it being explicitly assigned, responsibilities may conflict and lead to tensions or delays. The Responsibility Matrix addresses this by clearly defining who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for every task, preventing such conflicts.