Learning at work: e-learning evolution or revolution? (October 2008)

The latest trends and blends in management and leadership development.

Published: October 2008

Authors: Professor William Scott-Jackson, Terry Edney and Ceri Rushent

ISBN: 0-85946-481-4

Price: FREE - download from the right of this page, or for hard copies email research@managers.org.uk or telephone 020 7421 2721.

"Learning at Work" finds that senior executives across the UK are following in the footsteps of their junior colleagues in the use of new media for management and leadership development, reporting that a 'blended approach' works best.

The report shows that many employers (43 per cent) now have a specific budget dedicated to management and leadership development (MLD). It suggests that employers recognise that high-quality development programmes are a critical success factor, with nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) agreeing that their organisation sees MLD as a high priority.

Produced by the Centre for Applied HR Research at Oxford Brookes University, the report draws on the findings of a survey of 1,087 managers throughout the UK as well as in-depth interviews with learning and development professionals at 15 leading employers from both the public and private sectors.

The findings demonstrate how new media learning is growing in popularity. For example, 51 per cent of directors now say they use online videos to develop new skills, up from 21 per cent in CMI's 2007 report on online learning. One-third (34 per cent) also use social networking sites to boost their knowledge, compared to just 12 per cent last year.

The benefits of a 'blended approach' to MLD were recognised by both individuals and employers. Asked why, many of the employers interviewed focused on cost-effectiveness, suggesting that the blended approach enables them to 'deliver more for less' and provides greater Return on Investment. An equally significant proportion also believe that it provides a 'better way of delivering' learning and development opportunities.