SCARF Model
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SCARF Model

What is it?

The SCARF Model (by David Rock) identifies five social drivers—Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness—that influence motivation and behavior.

The SCARF Model explains what makes people feel good or bad in social situations. It’s based on five key things our brain cares about:

SCARF Model diagramBite Size Learning

1. Status (Feeling Important)

People like to feel valued and respected.

  • Example: If your boss praises your work in front of others, you feel good. If they criticize you publicly, you feel bad.

2. Certainty (Knowing What to Expect)

Uncertainty makes us anxious; predictability feels safe.

  • Example: If your manager clearly tells you what to do, you feel secure. If they keep changing plans, you feel stressed.

3. Autonomy (Having Control)

We like to have choices and control over our actions.

  • Example: If you get to decide how to do your work, you feel motivated. If you’re micromanaged, you feel frustrated.

4. Relatedness (Feeling Connected)

We want to belong and trust others.

  • Example: If your team welcomes you warmly, you feel included. If they ignore you, you feel isolated.

5. Fairness (Being Treated Justly)

Unfairness triggers a negative reaction.

  • *Example: ...
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