Each interpretation of staff development is derived from a particular theory of organizations and a particular understanding of educational and personal psychology. This paper outlines several organizational theories on which staff development might be based. Staff development is considered as being concerned with all those needs of the individual that relate to membership in the organization and all the needs of the organization as they affect and make demands on individuals. Staff development is seen as a way to deal with organizational conflict and a way to promote the personal growth of organizational members. Organizational development approaches to staff development are compared to authoritarian and traditional approaches. Suggestions for forming a staff development unit in an academic institution are offered. (JM)