This study is phase one of a two-phase research effort designed to develop a systematic, formal process for evaluating the performance of department chairpersons in public universities in Jordan. In this phase, the role of the department chairperson was reviewed and analyzed. Interviews were conducted with five academic deans, ten chairpersons, and five faculty members. Both actual and ideal role expectations were identified. These role expectations will become the basis for phase II, which will be an evaluation of the performance of department chairpersons in the public universities of Jordan. / Master of Arts