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.

Keywords:

• knowledge transfer
• knowledge transmission
• knowledge use
• knowledge utilisation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carol Davy

About the author

Carol Davy is a PhD student at the University of South Australia, conducting research into the access and utilisation of information by primary health care workers in developing countries. Working primarily in Papua New Guinea in association with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Carol is particularly interested in identifying the needs of the recipient within the information transfer process.