European Study Demonstrates Positive Impact of Process Communication Model® Training

March 10, 2021 by Nate Regier -

We are pleased to share the results of a comprehensive new study on the efficacy of Process Communication Model® training, just published by  Kahler Communications Germany. The study, conducted in Fall of 2020, surveyed over 539 PCM training participants from Austria, Germany Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, and New Zealand about how they were using the communication skills following initial exposure to PCM.

The study found remarkably high rate of learning transfer, and positive impact on several important outcomes.

Congratulations to Uwe Reiner-Kolouch, his team, and the other European partners for this significant contribution to the outcomes research on PCM. Here is what they found:

Participants Use What They Learned

How many training programs end up collecting dust on the shelf? Not with PCM.

• 79% of those surveyed stated that they use PCM often or sometimes. 

• 75% of the respondents use at least one of the PCM concepts once a week.

• Among those who actively use PCM, over 75% use the concepts at least once a week, even more than a year post-training.   

Learning Transfer: PCM Is A Multi-Tool

Transfer of learning and impact on bottom-line results are coveted training outcomes. How does PCM stack up? Here are some highlights about where, and how, participants are using PCM.

• In both personal and professional life – 67% of respondents

• To actively shape their own communication – 66% of respondents.

• For managing conflict – 61% of respondents.

• In a team – 57% of respondents.

• Leadership and management – 43% of respondents.

These findings are significant since research shows that on average only about 20% of learning is transferred back to the workplace.

PCM training is correlated with 200%-300% better learning transfer then the industry average.

This extends the findings from our 2017 Global PCM outcomes study that PCM training has significant positive impact on personal and professional communication skills, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Confirming what we have been experiencing for many years, PCM is useful in a wide variety of contexts, and enhances the impact of other models and theories; for example in leadership, team development, self-management, in education, partnership and in conflict and stress management.

PCM Promotes Inclusion

Personality has a significant impact on how people communicate, interact, are motivated, and how they behave in distress. Understanding and appreciating this diversity is critical for teams to function at their best. PCM is a powerful diversity, equity, and inclusion tool.

• 71% of respondents reported that they understand their own behavior better with PCM.

• 72% reported a better understanding the behavior of those around them.

• 65% reported that PCM makes an important contribution to accepting other people in their diversity and creating successful relationships. 

PCM Concepts Are Sticky

PCM is a framework for assessing, connecting, motivating, and resolving conflict with six different personality types. What do participants remember most from PCM training?

• Personality Types (100%)

• Distress patterns and how to deal with them (79%)

• Channels of communication (73%). 

More importantly, are people using what they learned? Here is what participants reported regarding which concepts they are using regularly in daily life.

• Recognizing different personality types (90%)

• Channels of communication (50%)

• Distress sequences (48%)

• Motivational needs (44%)

From this perspective, PCM training participants are certainly applying the most important skills.

Nearly 50% of PCM participants are actively using their new communication skills on a daily basis, even up to a year after training.

There is a drop off in regular use from recognizing personality differences to implementing the appropriate communication skills (Channels and Motivational needs), suggesting an area for improvement.

There’s No Substitute for Practice and Application

This study reinforces what all learning and development providers know; practice and application are critical for improving learning transfer. This is why our PCM training programs include modular formats, goal-setting, application assignments, peer support, and follow-up coaching.

Download the Full Report