The role and functions of university department heads as analyzed in the literature are outlined and compared with the perceptions and expectations of the staff of eight departments in one Australian university, who attached great importance to the administrator's function of encouragement. (MSE)

A small departmental survey revealed significant differences in perception among faculty and students of the chairperson's role as departmental executive officer. Although styles of leadership vary, the chairperson's role in higher education requires further investigation and clarification. (MSE)

A study of patterns of perceived management functions in schools of social sciences, physical sciences, and medicine showed deans perceived as paying more attention to outside than inside activities. Correlations of faculty perceptions with faculty career characteristics (publishing, seniority, rank, tenure, and job satisfaction) are also…

This study surveyed 46 college deans at 7 universities in Saudi Arabia to determine who evaluated the work of department chairpersons and what criteria are and should be used for such evaluations. The deans identified and rank-ordered 4 sources and 17 criteria for department chairperson evaluations. (MDM)

A survey of 90 department heads in six Israeli universities concerning their role perceptions, role fulfillment, and satisfaction with role fulfillment found five main role factors and significant differences between fulfillment of roles and the desire to fulfill them. (MSE)