promoting better decisions by means of wider input;

integrating diverse viewpoints;

bringing together the principal actors;

creating trust through honouring each participant as contributing a necessary component of the bigger picture;

creating mutual benefits (win/win rather than win/lose situations);

developing shared power with a partnership approach;

creating commitment through participants identifying with the outcome and thus increasing the likelihood of successful implementation;

channelling the representation of diverse interests and influences in transparent and (more) equitable processes.