Senior managers across the UK are missing easy opportunities to hone their skills, as they fail to make use of the online resources available to them. Figures, published today by the Chartered Management Institute and Centre for Applied Human Resource Research , show that technological and cultural barriers have hindered widespread uptake of online learning, despite recognition of the business benefits it brings.

The findings confirm that internet access is readily available for the majority of senior managers (90%). However, most (67%) admit they spend 30 minutes or less using company intranets, the internet or e-learning materials to solve problems.  Only 54% have made use of online management resources in the past year and just one in five have participated in a structured e-learning programme.
The research, outlined in a report called 'Realising value from online learning', is based on the views of 998 respondents, including in-depth interviews with 12 large employers.

Jo Causon, Chartered Management Institute director, says: "There are clear business benefits to adopting e-learning models, but until organisations provide engaging development tools and support alongside these, uptake will continue to be slow. "