Although studies have examined numerous factors that predict junior faculty success, previous research has paid little attention to the role played by department chairs. Drawing on theory from person-environment fit theory and value congruence, we sought to examine the implication of a match versus mismatch between faculty members and their chairs in the relative importance attached to teaching versus research. Results from a survey of 174 pre-tenure faculty members from one urban public comprehensive university revealed that "mismatches" are associated with lower perceptions of agency and control, lower job satisfaction and commitment, and higher turnover intentions. Implications for faculty members, for faculty development, and for campus administrators are discussed.