The Cynefin Framework was developed to help leaders understand their challenges and to make decisions in context. By distinguishing different domains (the subsystems in which we operate), it recognises that our actions need to match the reality we find ourselves in through a process of sense-making. This helps leaders cultivate an awareness of what is really complex and what is not and respond accordingly so that no energy is wasted in overthinking the routine but they also never try to make the complex fit into standard solutions.
From Sensemaker - Praxis Makes Perfect
A complex system is a system composed of interconnected parts that as a whole exhibit one or more properties (behavior among the possible properties) not obvious from the properties of the individual parts. (Location 172)
Clear
in which the relationship between cause and effect is obvious to all, the approach is to Sense – Categorise – Respond and we can apply best practice. (Location 186)
Complicated
in which the relationship between cause and effect requires analysis or some other form of investigation and/or the application of expert knowledge, the approach is to Sense – Analyze – Respond and we can apply good practice. (Location 188)
Complex
in which the relationship between cause and effect can only be perceived in retrospect, but not in advance, the approach is to Probe – Sense – Respond and we can sense emergent practice. (Location 190)
Chaotic
in which there is no relationship between cause and effect at systems level, the approach is to Act – Sense – Respond and we can discover novel practice. (Location 192)
Aporetic/confused
which is the state of not knowing what type of causality exists, in which state people will revert to their own comfort zone in making a decision. (Location 194)