# The Cynefin Framework

<figure><img src="https://3653531953-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaUGavCwJG3yTK1JeiOyH%2Fuploads%2Fotg87ygSqWNtaFs4oxDl%2Fcynefin-2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8d7f1afc-aa2d-458c-92e2-31eb91f42fe1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image by <a href="https://www.vige.se/blog/2020/6/20/cynefinvige">Martin Berg &#x26; Rob Englands</a></p></figcaption></figure>

The Cynefin (ke-nev-in) Framework is a valuable tool for understanding the nature of a situation and selecting the appropriate response. By recognising the domain of a situation, decision-makers can avoid common pitfalls, such as applying simple solutions to complex problems or overcomplicating straightforward issues.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3653531953-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaUGavCwJG3yTK1JeiOyH%2Fuploads%2F7xvzaiOrwVGfphadznfz%2Fcynefin-3.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5cd67b89-2100-411a-8852-bec3328400b2" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image by <a href="https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/">The Cynefin Co</a></p></figcaption></figure>

The Cynefin Framework empowers individuals and organisations to make more informed and effective decisions and distinguishes between five domains:

1. **Clear**\
   In clear situations, cause and effect are obvious. Best practices and established procedures are sufficient to handle them. \\

2. **Complicated**\
   Complicated situations, while having known causes, offer multiple possible solutions. Experts can analyse the situation and determine the optimal course of action. \\

3. **Complex**\
   Complex situations lack clear cause-and-effect relationships. Experimentation and learning are essential to uncover underlying patterns and develop effective solutions. \\

4. **Chaotic**\
   Chaotic situations are characterised by high uncertainty and rapid change. Immediate action is necessary to stabilise the situation and prevent further deterioration. \\

5. **Disorder**\
   Disorder is the initial state of a situation, where its nature is unclear. Sense-making is required to categorise the situation into one of the other four domains.\\

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7oz366X0-8>" %}

#### Further Reading

{% embed url="<https://untools.co/cynefin-framework/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework-for-decision-making>" %}

{% embed url="<https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://medium.com/@dmitry.s.mamonov/complex-and-chaotic-domains-of-the-cynefin-framework-c80766fbddba>" %}
