Recipients: the key to information transfer

Abstract

Making information available does not necessarily result in subsequent transfer and utilisation. This paper considers the role of various parties to the information transfer process, proposing that the recipient is the key determinant of its success. All other influences such as source, task, organisational and environmental characteristics are considered to be influential on the recipient rather than the process itself. This subtle yet important distinction in some ways simplifies the process by suggesting that the needs of the recipient must inform all information transfer decisions.