Grateful appreciation is extended to all staff at Brother Industries (UK) Ltd who cooperated with this research over almost five years. Particular thanks go to Mr. Masao Kato, who, as the Managing Director of BIUK between its establishment in 1985 until his return to Japan in 1990, not only provided the facilities to operationalise this project but also brought to it considerable personal support necessary for a longitudinal project of this type. A grant from the Economic and Social Research Council, (F 00 23 2225), helped to finance research interviews . in Japan, and International Computers Ltd generously provided funds to pay for general administrative costs. I would also like to thank Professor Keith Thurley of the London School of Economics for the inspiration and advice given to this investigation in its formative period. Dr Nigel Holden, of UMIST, contributed helpful comments at the early fieldwork stage, whilst Carole Roberts and Ian Hartley gave their time to assist with the onerous task of data processing. Professor Eric Armstrong offered invaluable comments and Harley Gelling kindly made suggestions to the final manuscript. Above all, to my wife, Sylvia, whose patient encouragement was unstinting.