**Index continues slide, hits lowest mark since 2010.

**

Learning executives’ optimism and confidence about the outlook and expectations for the training function fell for the third straight quarter, ending 2012 with the lowest rating since the fourth quarter of 2010, according to the latest measurement by the American Society for Training & Development. The current Learning Executive Confidence Index (LXCI) surveyed 240 learning executives (LXs) 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 fourth quarter of 2012 was 63.9, down from 64.5 in the third quarter of 2012. While the LXCI started strong in 2012, with a record high 67.3, it has continued a steady slide and indicates learning executives remained cautious as the year ended. Despite the continued slip, scores still remain higher than they were in 2009 and 2010. The LXCI is measured by a 100-point scale.

Highlights from the LXCI for the fourth quarter of 2012 include

  • 70 percent of LXs believe corporate performance will be moderately or substantially better in the next six months.

  • 56 percent believe the availability of resources needed to meet training needs will be the same or worse in the next six months.

  • Less than one-half (49.4percent) think the training function in their industry will be moderately or substantially better.

  • 51.4 percent project that over the next six months, training will positively improve corporate performance.

  • There is increased confidence that within the next six months the economy will have a positive impact for a “substantial increase” on travel for training purposes. 

  • Fewer LXs believe there will be an increase in funding for training within the next year; however, almost one-half feel that there will be an increase within 18 months.

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/Professional-Resources/LXCI.aspx to read the full report.