The first of the four papers in this symposium, "Examination of Critical Issues for Development and Implementation of Online Instruction" (Scott D. Johnson, Nilda Palma-Rivas, Chanidprapa Suriya, Steve Downey), reports on a descriptive and exploratory study that examined several critical issues affecting the development of online instructional programs. The study was conducted to help online program instructors and designers to understand the challenges and opportunities of online instruction and to expand the base of knowledge in the field. "The Relationship of Psychological Preferences and the Human Resource Development Role of Instructor/Facilitator: A Qualitative Analysis" (Rafael Martinez, Douglas H. Smith) is an ethnographic study conducted to describe the congruency of psychological preferences identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the human resource development (HRD) role of instructor facilitator. "HRD Competencies and Roles for 2000: A Pilot Study of the Perceptions of HRD Practitioners" (Toni Powell, Betty Hubschman) examines the perceptions of HRD practitioners with graduate degrees concerning the competencies required for their jobs and makes recommendations derived from the findings. "Ethical Aspects of Human Resource Development" (Jean Woodall, Danielle Douglas) examines several issues of ethical concern in HRD policy and practice, especially those involving value and culture change. (KC)