Learning executives' optimism and confidence about the outlook and expectations for the learning function remained high and relatively unchanged from the first quarter of 2011, according to the latest measurement by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). The current Learning Executives Confidence Index (LXCI) surveyed 357 learning executives about their expectations in four areas: impact on corporate performance; ability to meet learning needs; status as a key strategic component; and availability of resources. It is modeled on the CEO Confidence Indices reported by Chief Executive Magazine and The Conference Board.
The ASTD LXCI for the second quarter of 2011 was 67.1, a minimal drop from 67.3, the record high reached in the first quarter of 2011. This increase demonstrates that collectively, learning executives (LXs) expect their learning functions to improve over the next six months. The LXCI is measured by a 100-point scale.
Highlights from the LXCI for the second quarter of 2011 include:
- 87.4 percent of learning executives expect the same or better performance for their particular industry in the next six months, down from 90 percent in the first quarter.
- Nearly 70 percent of LXs believe that the learning function will positively affect corporate performance over the next six months.
- More than half (58.8 percent) of respondents predict that their ability to meet learning needs will be substantially or moderately better in the next six months.
- 94.1 percent believe the learning function as a key strategic component will be the same or improve in the next six months.
- About half of LXs expect staffing levels to remain stable over the next six months. 24 percent predict staffing level increases and 25 percent predict decreased staff levels.
ASTD's Learning Executives Confidence Index was launched in August 2008 and is designed to assess the outlooks and expectations of learning executives for the next six months.
Visit http://www.astd.org/content/research/LXCI.htm to read the full report.
