Cynefin Framework - Explained
What is the Cynefin Framework?
Written by Jason Gordon
Updated at August 22nd, 2023
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What is the Cynefin Framework?
The Cynefin framework, proposed by Snowden and Boone (2007) is the application of contingency thinking to decision-making.
Adept decision-makers should learn how to:
- Identify the context properly
- Change their behavior and decisions to match that context, and
- Prepare their organizations to understand and deal with the different contexts.
What are Decision-Making Contexts?
The researchers distinguish between 5 decision-making contexts, each requiring its own decision-making style:
Simple - The context has a clear causes and effect.
Recommended Decision-making style: Ensure proper processes are in place, delegate. Apply the best practice.
Decision model: Sense ⇒ Categorize ⇒ Respond.
Complicated - The context has a cause and effect relationships discoverable, but not apparent to everyone.
Recommended Decision-making style: Involve (teams of) experts, analyze. Apply a good practice.
Decision model: Sense ⇒ Analyze ⇒ Respond.
Complex - The context is marked by a lack of causality, but there is emergence and flux.
Recommended Decision-making style: Create safe experiments, wait for patterns to emerge. Then amplify or dampen/drop. Apply the emergent practice.
Decision model: Probe ⇒ Sense ⇒ Respond.
Chaotic - The context is marked by turbulence, crisis
Recommended Decision-making style: Take immediate action, communicate clear and directly. Apply a novel practice.
Decision model: Act ⇒ Sense ⇒ Respond
Disorder - In the context, is it unclear or not known which one of the above contexts is prevailing.
Recommended Decision-making style: Break down into the other 4 realms.
