To determine how deans as a group perceive the role of the English department chair, a study surveyed the deans of Arts and Sciences of 350 randomly selected universities with enrollments over 10,000 students (with a 51% response rate). The questionnaire solicited data about the tasks and qualities of chairmanship, referring both to specific activities of the chair, such as managing the department budget, and general leadership activities, such as delegating responsibility. Results indicated that deans felt strongest about five key aspects of chairmanship: (1) managing departmental budgets; (2) possessing strong communication skills; (3) encouraging faculty development; (4) communicating regularly with the dean; and (5) rewarding/applauding faculty achievement. In the category of managerial activities, a majority of deans emphasized the importance of the chairman's ability to make independent decisions, and maintain an open information policy. Program development was not a highly rated responsibility. Qualities listed frequently which were not on the questionnaire included honesty, interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of humor. (A sample questionnaire is included.) (MM)