ASTD Research has released its Learning Executive Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2009. 289 learning executives responded to an online invitation-only survey, contributing to a Q1 LXCI of 55.2.This score is a decrease of 0.2 points from a Q4 2008 LXCI of 55.4, indicating some stabilization in the midst of the shaky economy. Highlights from the report include:

• The confidence of learning executives (LXs) showed signs of stabilization in the first quarter of 2009, even in the midst of the shaky economy.

• The overall LXCI for Q1 2009 was 55.2, essentially even with Q4 2008 (55.4), demonstrating that collectively LXs expect their learning functions to remain the same or marginally improve over the next six months.

• One of the four major indices reversed previous downward trends (impact on corporate performance), and two (ability to meet learning needs and status as a key strategic component) stabilized.

• The availability of resources is a continued concern, with this confidence index dropping again in Q1 2009.

• LXs reported an expected decline in outsourcing on external services that aid in the learning function.

• Most LXs forecasted decreases in their learning expenditures over the next six months.

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