I am currently researching for a doctorate at the University of Wolverhampton,
in the United Kingdom. The field in which I am researching is that of employee
communications. I am looking at the way in which companies communicate with
employees and the way in which workers respond to that communication, either
formally through trade union organization or through "shop-floor culture".

My interest in Japan lies in the area of so-called "Japanization" - the
introduction to Britain (in particular) of working practices usually regarded as
Japanese, such as quality circles, "kaizen" and so on, either by Japanese
companies investing in Britain or by British companies following Japanese
practice. I should be interested in exchanging ideas and information with
colleagues researching in the same field and with trade unionists in Japan or
elsewhere who are engaged in dealing with such working practices.

My knowledge of Japanese is elementary, and would not allow me to read academic
literature in Japanese.

Alan Harrison j9470388[atx]wlv.ac.uk
University of Wolverhampton

[Moderator's Note: Responses should go directly to Mr. Harrison.]