Learning executives’ optimism and confidence about the outlook and expectations for the learning function fell slightly in the second quarter of 2012, according to the latest measurement by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). The current Learning Executive Confidence Index (LXCI) surveyed 349 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 second quarter of 2012 was 65.6, down from from 67.3 in the first quarter of 2012, the all-time high score achieved by the index. The Q2 measure is the lowest on the LXCI since Q4 2010. While the dip indicates varied sentiments about the economy and job market, the overall index trend remains positive. The similarity in scores throughout 2011 and the first two quarters of 2012 suggests that learning executives remain cautiously optimistic as the economy continues to recover. The LXCI is measured by a 100-point scale.

Highlights from the LXCI for the second quarter of 2012 include:

• 68.1 percent of respondents believe the learning function’s impact on corporate performance would be moderately or substantially better in the next six months.

• The least positive indicator on the LXCI was availability of resources to meet learning needs. Almost 61 percent believe availability of resources will be the same or worse in the next six months.

• 66.3 percent believe their organizations will turn higher profits in the next 12 months.

• Almost three-quarters of LXs believe that money spent on outsourcing will remain the same or moderately increase. 

• 66.1 percent believe that e-learning will moderately or substantially increase in the next six months.

• A majority, almost 74 percent, believe the current economic situation will cause staffing levels to remain the same or moderately increase in the next six months.

ASTD’s Learning Executive 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.