Generalities

PCM (Process Communication Model) is the brainchild of American researcher of transactional analysis and clinical psychologist Taibi Kahler in the 1970s. PCM is maintained and distributed by Kahler Communications, Inc., based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kahler worked on distress behaviors possessed by everyone and identified conditions that individuals need to thrive. He evidenced six personality types that people can connect to and can lead to positive changes.

PCM is known to have been adopted by NASA in 1980 when the space agency’s lead psychiatrist asked Khaler to assist in selecting the best astronauts for missions. In 1982, Kahler validated the Personality Pattern Inventory and created the Process Communication Model.

Assessment

The survey includes 45 questions, which take around 60 minutes to answer. It calculates six dimensions, which, according to PCM, reveal an individual's personality structure and communication style. The six dimensions are the following:

Dimension	Description	GRI a priori
Rebel	People with a Rebel energy are spontaneous and creative. They bring energy and like to try something new.	High 1, low 3, low 4.
Imaginer	People with a lot of Imaginer energy are imaginative and calm. They need to take their time to reflect and ponder concepts.	Low 2, high 3
Promoter	People with a lot of Promoter energy are direct and charming. They always find a way to make things happen.	High 2, low 4
Persister
People with a Persister energy are dedicated and attentive. They need to be respected for their conviction.	Low 2, high 3, high 4
Thinker	People with a lot of Thinker energy are responsible and logical. They look for facts and data.	Low 2
Harmonizer	People with a lot of Harmonizer energy are warm and compassionate. They want you to feel good and they need to be appreciated for who they are.	Low 1, high 2

Usage

Initially conceived for therapy, the model progressively evolved for use in management and personal development despite the limitations inherent to typology systems.

Kahler Communication was claiming 5,700+ Certified Trainers and Coaches in 2025 and 1.7 million people who took the PCM survey. The profile sells at $400/report for a sales profile and $600/report for a leadership profile. The Six half-day sessions PCM Core Topic is $1,500.

Comments

Although PCM is one of many typologies, its focus has helped deepen observations on communication. To be effective, communication needs to be adapted to the personality of those we interact with.

References

See more about Taibi Kahler here in Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taibi_Kahler

See more about transactional analysis here in Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transactional_analysis