The purpose of this study was (1) to analyze perceptions of Employee Development Specialists in the Federal Government concerning their present role versus their ideal role and their present place in the organization versus their rightful place; and (2) to compare their background with that of personnel specialists in the Federal Government. According to a United States Civil Service Commission survey and the researcher's followup survey, the Employee Development Specialists, relative to the other group, had more education; were more active in professional societies and organizations; identified more with their agency and work group than with the personnel field; showed more educational interest and course enrollments; and were more concerned with teaching techniques, individual and group behavior, and current management theories than with procedural matters. Role descriptions by Employee Development Specialists were quite varied. It was recommended that the Civil Service Commission develop a meaningful role description for Employee Development Specialists, establish educational and experiential standards directly related to the demands of the role, and resolve the apparent conflict between these specialists and the personnel specialists. (author/ly)