## The Idea in Brief The **Cynefin framework** is a model for decision-making and sense-making developed by **Dave Snowden** in 1999. It helps leaders and organisations understand the nature of problems they face and choose appropriate ways to respond. Cynefin (a Welsh word meaning “habitat” or “place”) distinguishes between different domains of reality—ranging from the simple and predictable to the chaotic and unknowable. The framework is widely used in business, government, and project management to improve decision-making in complex environments. --- ## Key Concepts ### The Five Domains The framework divides situations into **five domains**, each requiring a different management approach: 1. **Clear (formerly Simple)** - Cause-and-effect is obvious and repeatable. - Best practice applies. - Example: Following a recipe. - Approach: _Sense → Categorise → Respond_. 2. **Complicated** - Cause-and-effect exists but requires analysis or expertise to uncover. - Good practice applies (multiple right answers possible). - Example: Designing a car engine. - Approach: _Sense → Analyse → Respond_. 3. **Complex** - Cause-and-effect can only be understood in retrospect, not predicted in advance. - Emergent practice applies (patterns revealed through experimentation). - Example: Managing culture change in an organisation. - Approach: _Probe → Sense → Respond_. 4. **Chaotic** - No clear cause-and-effect; events are turbulent and unstable. - Novel practice applies (act decisively to establish order). - Example: Responding to a natural disaster. - Approach: _Act → Sense → Respond_. 5. **Aporetic / Confused** - The central domain where it is unclear which situation applies. - The task is to break down the situation and move it into one of the other domains. ### Transitions Between Domains - Systems can shift suddenly—for example, a _complicated_ situation may collapse into _chaos_ if control is lost. - Leaders must be alert to these transitions and adjust accordingly. ### Decision-Making Logic - **Clear** → Follow best practice. - **Complicated** → Consult experts and analysis. - **Complex** → Experiment and learn. - **Chaotic** → Act fast to stabilise. - **Aporetic** → Step back and diagnose.