A survey conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom analyzed employment practices and viewpoints of the social partners regarding comparability of qualifications and geographical mobility. Carried out in late 1991 with a limited sampling of respondents (firms, employers' organizations, and unions), the survey focused specifically on three sectors: banking, electronics, and tourism/hotels. The consensus was that the level of mobility was low and could not be expected to increase. Where it existed, worker mobility involved those at the extremes of the skills ladder. Instances were difficult to find in small and medium-sized enterprises. The hotel and catering trade was the only sector where mobility was widespread and not limited to managerial personnel. The main obstacles to international mobility were cultural. These firm practices were identified: the majority of foreign managers were employed on loan from another company in the group and an academic degree was a significant criterion only for the recruitment of beginners. Firms and employers' organizations were aware of the problem of recognizing qualifications. The following conclusions were drawn: voluntary mobility should be facilitated; respondents had reservations about evaluation and comparison of qualifications; evaluation of acquired skills needed to be studied; and respondents saw a need for various kinds of information and exchanges rather than for tools aimed at harmonization and formal comparability. (YLB)