A method for setting up an schema to control data-exchange within a groupware environment is provided. The groupware environment has an administrator. A customized attribute associated with the data-exchange within the groupware environment is defined. A preferred customized attribute value for the groupware environment is identified. A preferred customized attribute value for a participant of the groupware environment is determined. A policy for the data-exchange between the participant of the groupware environment and the administrator of groupware environment based on the preferred customized attribute value of the groupware environment and the preferred customized attribute value of the participant is determined.