In business, development can refer to new projects that expand an organization’s reach or a team’s skills. It can also refer to the process of improving a project, such as by adding features or improving design. In the world of technology, it can refer to an emerging practice like “low code,” which involves using visual and declarative techniques rather than coding when building applications.
From a social perspective, the concept of development often encompasses economic growth through increased productivity, political systems that represent as accurately as possible the preferences of its citizens, and the extension of rights to all members of society. In addition, sustainable development includes efforts to reduce hunger and disease, eradicate illiteracy and provide basic services, and preserve the natural environment.
There are a variety of theories about the nature and causes of development. For example, some researchers believe that development is mainly determined by nature (genes, biology) while others think that it is primarily caused by nurture (environment, learning). Then there are those who assume that development happens in a linear and incremental way over time or that it takes on qualitative shifts instead.
In terms of professional development, employees increasingly value opportunities for on-the-job learning. In fact, a Wakefield Research study found that over 90 percent of workers want their managers to address learning opportunities in real-time, not just at performance reviews. In lieu of forced fun Fridays or office ping pong, consider offering courses that expand your team’s skill sets. These can be directly related to their responsibilities or they can challenge them in unfamiliar ways (like data analysis, public speaking, or foreign languages).