Japanese management theory was studied to identify specific models for consideration by student personnel administrators. The report is organized into three sections: major components of Japanese management theory, potential implications for student personnel administration, and three models, based on components of Japanese management theory, for adaptation by student personnel administrators. The first section discusses historical and theoretical perspectives from America, followed by: the development of a comprehensive philosophy; the creation of structures and incentives; nonspecialized career paths and job rotation; collective responsibility and values; trust, egalitarianism and holistic concern for staff; a long-term emphasis, slow evaluation and promotion, and lifetime employment; and the emphasis of subtlety. Section two considers criticisms of Japanese management theory, creating a climate, structural vehicles, quality circles, nonspecialized career paths and job rotation, matrix management, and concepts least likely to be implemented. The third section focuses on a quality circle model for student affairs, a model job rotation plan, and matrix organization models. It is concluded that Japanese corporate techniques for quality output, enhanced productivity, and cost reduction may be applicable to problems related to quality, cost reduction, and staff morale in U.S. higher education. There are 50 references. (SM)