Week 17, 2020
Cynefin Framework, Part 1: Ordered, Unordered, and Confused Domains
Each week I share ideas on the future of work. And this week, the topic is decision making in a world of constant change.
Why am I writing about this? I’m working on a method to assess organizational agility. And as part of that work, I’ve dug into complexity theory and, with that, Dave Snowden’s Cynefin framework. What follows is part 1 of a 2-part introduction. I’m building to think. And this here is a by-product.
A short introduction before we start:
Cynefin is part sense-making device, part decision-making tool. And in this first installment, I’ll focus solely on the sense-making aspect of the framework. Specifically, I’ll focus on the primary and secondary domains used to categorize and understand the context in which decisions are made.
Let’s dig in.
1. Ordered
In the Ordered domain cause and effect can be readily observed. Here, we can look at a problem, identify the solution, and then execute it. And the ease with which we identify that solution serves as a delineator between the Clear and Complicated sub-domains. Whereas Clear solutions require no particular expertise to execute, Complicated solutions do.
2. Unordered
In the unordered domain, there is no immediately apparent cause and effect relationship. In the Complex sub-domain, it’s possible to retroactively discern patterns from which multiple potential solutions can be derived. But not so in the Chaotic sub-domain. Even if pattern detection was possible, there would be no time! Chaos calls for swift and immediate action.
3. Confused
Most decisions start in a state of confusion before being categorized as either ordered or unordered. This can take time, or it can take no time. It depends. Either way, there are two types: Resolvable Confusion occurs when we simply don’t (yet) understand the problem, and Irresolvable Confusion (Snowden calls it Aporetic) when we’re faced with a problem that seems to defy logic.
Cynefin (pronounced kin-ev-in) is a Welsh word meaning “habitat” or “place of multiple belongings”. An apt name that underscores the fact that decision-making is context-dependent and that we, as decision-makers, interpret said context differently based on personal experience, etc.
Understanding this context is a necessary first step towards better decisions. And that’s what the above categorization exercise is all about. But Cynefin doesn’t stop there. It goes on to prescribe actions for each of the above-mentioned domains. And that’s where I’ll pick up next week, in part two.
That’s all for this week.
Stay safe out there.
PS. I’ve taken some creative liberties up above. Notably: (1) Cynefin does not include the language of sub-domains. I do because I thought it useful. (2) Cynefin refers to the two states of confusion as Confused and Aporetic. I’ve used the terms Resolvable vs. Irresolvable for clarity. And (4) there are additional “liminal” domains that I’ve not accounted for above. This is for simplicity, but you can read more about that HERE.
