Benchmark report reveals trends in corporate learning and development

Purpose – An outline of the 2015-2016 industry benchmark report produced by Towards Maturity, a benchmarking research company that provides independent advice and support to help organisations use learning technologies to accelerate business performance. The purpose of this paper is to examine the report and highlights some of the key findings from the research – and the conclusions drawn. Design/methodology/approach – A report, making use of research data from more than 600 learning and development (L & D) professionals in 55 countries and inputs from 1,600 learners. It also sets out comments and conclusions by those closely involved in the research. Findings – Among the many findings contained in the report are that: L & D professionals have high aspirations for their role; top performing organisations actively support the self-directed learner, as well as equip their L & D teams to cope with and lead change; evidence from top performing organisations highlights that business leaders now expect more – and different – things from their L & D professionals; and all L & D professionals are responding to the changing corporate learning climate by looking to improve their: efficiency; processes; organisational productivity and engagement; business responsiveness and learning culture. Research limitations/implications – As with all surveys – even those, like this one, which include a significant sample – this report is only as valuable as those surveyed are representative of the L & D sector and of corporate learning. However, the benchmarking survey covers 55 countries and over 2,000 people. Practical implications – This is the 12th year of the Towards Maturity benchmarking study, so this year’s data rests on a wealth of previous data – to provide information on trends in learning and L & D. Moreover, the study’s results show how L & D is changing in its relationship with businesses and business leaders – and how this needs to develop further. Social implications – For L & D professionals, taking advantage of benchmarking – and applying the lessons of research such as those revealed by Towards Maturity – can result in: lower costs – through discovering more cost-effective processes and systems; improved quality in terms of such things as products, services and customer care; and increasing sales and profits – through understanding how to improve functions, operations, products, services, pre- and post-sales customer care, as well as lower costs. Originality/value – No organisation other than Towards Maturity carries out a benchmark survey such as this.