A method for controlling document distribution in a data processing system. A distribution profile object is created and associated with each document for which control of distribution is desired. Within each distribution profile object are listed the addressees for which a document is intended in the order in which those specified addressees will receive the document. In one embodiment of the present invention, the distribution profile object also includes a specified action with regard to the document in question which shall be accomplished upon the completion of the specified distribution sequence. Additionally, the distribution profile object may include instructions on how to resolve deadlock situations in which the specified distribution sequence may not be accomplished. In this manner the method of the present invention permits a user to specify the order in which supervisory personnel or others must authorize a document for a selected action and a mechanism for determining whether or not the selected sequence has been followed.