Usable data about human resources in the economy are fundamentally important, but present methods of obtaining, organizing, and using such information are increasingly unsatisfactory. The application of electronic data processing to manpower and social concerns should be improved and increased. This could stimulate closer exchange between government, institutions, and business enterprises in the collection and dissemination of manpower data. The first phase of the study was a broad-scope questionnaire of 38 companies in Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, and Switzerland which have developed, or are planning to develop, computer-based personnel information systems. The second phase consisted of depth study of eight of the companies. Case study investigations were concerned with the content and function of the system and with the administrative and personnel consequences of the introduction of such systems. A set of key points which emerged from the study is developed. A model demonstrates the need for coordination to increase communication vertically and horizontally. The questionnaires used and statistics analyzed are included. (MS)