The new dynamics of strategy: Sense-making in a complex and complicated world (February 2018)

Summary

In this paper, Kurtz and Snowden challenge the universality of three basic assumptions prevalent in organisational decision support and strategy: assumptions of order, of rational choice, and of intent. They describe the Cynefin framework, a sense-making device they 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 organisational 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.