Complexity

Cynefin and Corona

The Cynefin framework is a helpful tool to classify decision-making situations, especially those that are chaotic and complex, as in the current corona pandemic.

Although the SARS-CoV-2 virus is certainly not a welcome but nevertheless a good reason to reflect on how to deal with complexity and decision-making in complex to chaotic situations. The Cynefin framework by David Snowden provides a very helpful framework to this end. Cynefin (pronounced kuh-NEV-in) is a “Welsh word meaning habitat, haunt, acquainted, familiar. Snowden uses the term to refer to the idea that we all have connections, such as tribal, religious and geographical, of which we may not be aware.” (Wikipedia)

Cynefin Framework (Source: Edwin Stoop (User:Marillion!!62) / CC BY-SA)

The Five Domains of the Cynefin-Frameworks

Essentially, the Cynefin framework suggests that situations or contexts can be of very different nature and therefore require very different approaches to deal with them. David Snowden distinguishes therefore five domains: simple or obvious, complicated, complex, chaotic and disorder.