Frameworks
The Work Management Institute maintains and governs a growing portfolio of foundational frameworks that define, explain, and advance the Work Management discipline.
Each framework in this library is formally stewarded by WMI and serves as canonical reference material for education, certification, and research.
Foundational Frameworks
Work Management frameworks should apply regardless of whether work is performed by humans, AI agents, or hybrid teams.
C4 Flywheel™
The C4 Flywheel is WMI’s foundational execution model for work.
It explains how clarity, coordination, and completion—powered by collaboration—create sustained momentum from intent to value across human, AI, and hybrid teams.
The C4 Flywheel™ explains the conditions required for work to flow effectively—and why strengthening those conditions compounds over time to create sustained momentum.
When work enters an organization, teams must first achieve clarity on what needs to be done and why it matters. They must then coordinate who is responsible for what and by when. Finally, work must be completed in a way that delivers real value. The C4 Flywheel™ models these conditions as a reinforcing system rather than a linear process.
As clarity, coordination, and completion improve, work flows more smoothly, predictably, and sustainably—reducing friction while increasing momentum across teams.
Common use cases:
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Diagnosing why work is stalling or slowing
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Improving flow without redesigning processes
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Reducing friction across teams and dependencies
Work Value Pyramid™
A value model for evaluating work
The Work Value Pyramid™ explains how value is created through work by distinguishing between activities, progress, and outcomes.
It helps individuals and organizations move beyond busyness by making value explicit—enabling better prioritization, clearer decision-making, and more meaningful execution.
By orienting work toward outcomes rather than activity alone, the framework supports more intentional planning, execution, and evaluation of work.
Common use cases:
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Prioritizing work based on value
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Aligning effort to outcomes
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Reducing low-impact activity
Coordination Stack™
The Coordination Stack™ is a foundational work management framework developed by the Work Management Institute that explains how work is coordinated at a system level.
It defines the five essential coordination questions that must be answered for people, teams, or AI agents to work together reliably:
Why the work exists, What needs to be done, Who is responsible, When it happens, and How the work is carried out and aligned.
The Coordination Stack is used as a diagnostic and design framework to identify where coordination breaks down and to build more resilient work systems—independent of tools, methodologies, or organizational structure.
Framework Stewardship
All frameworks published by the Work Management Institute are:
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Formally governed and maintained by WMI
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Aligned with the Work Management Body of Knowledge (WMBOK™)
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Referenced within WMI certifications, including CAWM™ and WMP™
Frameworks may evolve over time as the discipline matures. WMI is responsible for versioning, interpretation, and educational use to ensure consistency, integrity, and long-term relevance.
Usage and Citation
WMI frameworks may be referenced for educational and explanatory purposes with appropriate attribution.
For commercial use, certification alignment, or derivative frameworks, authorization from the Work Management Institute is required.
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