This study explored faculty views about a new concept, departmental vision. Since the literature presents many different views of what the term "vision" encompasses, this study sought to establish criteria useful in an academic setting. The study was conducted at a large midwestern public research university; data were collected through a series of semi-structured interviews with 32 faculty members, using subsets of research questions based upon A. Biglan's (1973) model of disciplinary cultures. Respondents first defined "departmental vision" and then responded to a "vision" handout suggesting nine characteristics. After considering the concept of "effective organizational vision," most respondents agreed that a concept of departmental vision could be applied to a higher education setting. Analysis of the interviews coupled with a review of the leadership literature led to three propositions concerning departmental vision. These include: (1) characteristics of an organizational vision; (2) the usefulness of departmental visions to center the work of academic apartments; and (3) the best timing for discussing departmental vision. Six appendixes summarize the decision criteria used, list the characteristics of the departments and respondents, list the 12 subgroup variables, and include a "vision" handout used in the research. A table lists the hierarchy of events that tend to prompt a discussion of departmental vision. (Contains approximately 70 references.) (CH)