# Are there relationship in between constraint types and Cynefin domains?

There are conflicting information around how the idea of Types of constraints and Cynefin domains are related to each other.

From Constraints | Cynefin Wiki (opens new window)

  • The Clear domain is associated with Rigid constraints
  • The Complicated domain is associated with Governing constraints
  • The Complex domain is associated with Enabling constraints
  • The Chaotic domain is associated with the absence of constraints

From Constraints | Cynefin Wiki (opens new window)

Note these should not be seen as exclusive but complementary in a number of cases, for example governing constraints in the Clear domain are also likely to highly rigid and have low permeability.

The latter suggests that in a Clear domain, a governing constraint can also be applied.

My understanding so far is, the thinking about what constraints should be applied to which domains is false. Rather, I should think about, what's the current constraints at play?

The association is more about what's currently effective (what's causing an effect to the system).