This article explores the role of heads of department in a small sample of secondary schools in the People's Republic of China. The research which underpins the article consisted of data collected from school teachers and headteachers of the case study schools. The outcome was that there is a large gap between how middle managers perceive their actual responsibilities and what they wish those responsibilities might be. The situation revealed by the research was contrasted with the situation common in Western schools as we move towards a situation of distributed leadership as a means of developing effective schools. While it is recognized that cultural differences exist and that such differences must be taken into account in any comparative exercise, the research concludes that there is a need for schools in China to review their thinking with regard to the role of the head of department. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.)