Introduction. The paper discusses the problem of information-transfer behaviour in higher education institutions. The goal of this study is to observe how metadata of IT systems in higher education environment influence information-transfer behaviour in the ongoing process of organisational change. Changes in the national higher education system have a strong impact on knowledge workers’ awareness of information needs and processes. Metadata as a factor supporting information awareness can play an important role in the information-transfer efficiency.
Method. The study was attended by 27 university administration employees from six higher education institutions. The purpose of the sense-making interviews was to determine the behavioural conditions of the information-transfer processes in higher education institutions.
Analysis. Nonaka and Takeuchi’s SECI (socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation) model was used to analyse observed behavioural patterns.
Findings. A model for metadata-based normalisation of information-transfer behaviour in higher education institution has been developed.
Conclusion. Metadata structures of IT systems have been identified as crucial for information-transfer behaviour normalisation. Metadata fragmentise responsibilities and disseminate employees’ awareness about reporting processes
