The Cynefin Framework (pronounced kuh-NEV-in) is a decision-making model developed by Dave Snowden that helps leaders and organizations understand the context they are operating in so they can make better decisions. It classifies problems into five domains, each requiring a different approach to management and decision-making:
The Five Domains of Cynefin
- Clear (formerly Simple/Obvious)
- Characteristics: Stable, well-known cause-and-effect relationships
- Approach: Sense → Categorize → Respond
- Best Practice: Apply established procedures
- Example: Following a standard operating procedure
- Complicated
- Characteristics: Cause-and-effect exist but aren’t obvious; may need expert analysis
- Approach: Sense → Analyze → Respond
- Good Practice: Bring in experts to analyze
- Example: Diagnosing a car’s engine problem
- Complex
- Characteristics: No clear cause-and-effect; patterns emerge over time
- Approach: Probe → Sense → Respond
- Emergent Practice: Experimentation and adaptation
- Example: Leading a cultural transformation or innovation project
- Chaotic
- Characteristics: No apparent relationship between cause and effect
- Approach: Act → Sense → Respond
- Novel Practice: Immediate action to stabilize the situation
- Example: Crisis management after a natural disaster
- Apex/Confused (Disorder)
- Characteristics: The situation is unclear and it’s not obvious which domain applies
- Approach: Break the situation into parts and assign to other domains
- Goal: Gain clarity and move to a known domain
Why Use Cynefin?
- Helps avoid one-size-fits-all decision-making.
- Encourages contextual judgment and adaptive leadership.
- Useful for navigating uncertainty, complex systems, and rapid change.