SCARF model describes the threats and rewards of social situations.

The domains of social behavior are:

  • Status: Sense of social value. Recognition, wins, being right versus embarassment, etc.
  • Certainty: Clarity regarding the future. Assurance, affirmation versus bad news, failure.
  • Autonomy: Control, influence over future. Choosing versus loss of choice, consequences.
  • Relatedness: Connection with others. Inclusion; promotion versus isolation, demotion.
  • Fairness: Justice, non-bias. Pay, treatment versus lies, failure of expectation.

Affects the motivation aspect of behavior. Increases employee effectiveness when used appropriately.rR1



  1. David Rock, Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long, 1st ed (New York: Harper Business, 2009). (See notes.)