Learning executives are increasingly confident and optimistic about the outlook and expectations for the learning function according to the latest measurement by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). The Learning Executive Confidence Index (LXCI) for the first quarter of 2010 increased to its highest score to date after stabilizing in the fourth quarter of 2009. The current LXCI surveyed 325 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.

Learning executives (LXs) revealed improved scores in key indices in the first quarter, suggesting a continued sense of optimism and stabilization in most key areas. After drops at the end of 2008, executive confidence rebounded in the second and third quarters of 2009, plateauing in the fourth quarter. The overall LXCI for the first quarter of 2010 was a record-high 61.0, up 0.8 points from the end of 2009. The LXCI is measured on a 100-point scale.

Highlights from the LXCI for the first quarter of 2010 include:

• 85 percent of LXs expect their organization's profits will remain the same or improve in the next six months.

• 85.6 percent of LXs believe their organization's performance will remain the same or improve in the next six months.

• Nearly three-quarters of LXs anticipate funding for the learning function to increase or remain the same in the next six months.

• Outsourcing appears to be on the rise with 27 percent of LXs reporting use of external providers will increase.

• An increasing number of LXs believe the economy will not impact the learning function 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.

To find out more about the LXCI, go to http://www.astd.org/content/research/LXCI.htm.