The new dynamics of strategy: Sense-making in a complex and complicated world

TLDR

The Cynefin framework originates from years of action research applying narrative and complexity theory to organizational knowledge exchange, decision‑making, strategy, and policy‑making. This paper challenges the universality of the three core assumptions—order, rational choice, and intent—prevalent in organizational decision support and strategy. The authors introduce the Cynefin framework as a sense‑making device, outlining its conceptual foundations and demonstrating its application in group sense‑making and discourse. The study examines the consequences of relaxing these assumptions through the Cynefin framework.

Abstract

In this paper, we challenge the universality of three basic assumptions prevalent in organizational decision support and strategy: assumptions of order, of rational choice, and of intent. We describe the Cynefin framework, a sense-making device we have developed to help people make sense of the complexities made visible by the relaxation of these assumptions. The Cynefin framework is derived from several years of action research into the use of narrative and complexity theory in organizational knowledge exchange, decision-making, strategy, and policy-making. The framework is explained, its conceptual underpinnings are outlined, and its use in group sense-making and discourse is described. Finally, the consequences of relaxing the three basic assumptions, using the Cynefin framework as a mechanism, are considered.