During the discussion facilitators take steps to avoid confrontational arrangements. Second, PCP uses a variety of facilitative processes. Facilitators keep the conversation on track, ask questions, set the tone of interaction and enforce the conversation ground rules. Ground rules are designed to create a safe, confidential environment which encourages personal sharing and respect. Third, PCP uses collaborative methods to give participants a role in shaping the overall process.
Participants work together to develop their ground rules.
Facilitators solicit feedback from participants on their particular conversation, and on the process itself. Pearce and Littlejohn argue that moral conflicts often rest on incommensurate views of reality and differing basic values. Because the conflicting parties do not share a common paradigm, normal ways of dealing with disagreements can simply exacerbate moral conflicts. The authors see the PCP model as one way to transcend basic value differences, and facilitate fruitful moral discussion. Participants are encouraged to see themselves as embarked together on a new journey.