Monthly Article

Don’t Forget the 75/25 Rule - Results of the FSTRC Training Preferences Poll

Not surprisingly, the recent FSTRC online training preferences poll showed that a large amount of our microfinance learning occurs outside the classroom or training room. In fact, some researchers have shown that Informal learning accounts for over 75% of the learning taking place in organizations today - the 75/25 Rule of Learning indicates that only 25% of what someone needs to know to do his or her job is learned in formal training, the other 75% is from informal sources. What does this mean? To truly maximize the learning in our organizations, we might want to recognize the informal learning already taking place and strengthen strategies for managing and sharing what and how we learn on-the-job and on-our-own.

Who responded to the poll?

A total of 74 people responded to the on-line poll. Almost half (42%) were consultants, 27% were staff of a microfinance institution, and 11% were microfinance trainers. The remaining 20% were bankers, donors or investors, central bank microfinance staff, microfinance network, and others.

How did respondents gain their current microfinance knowledge and skills? The largest number of responses said they gained a lot of their current microfinance knowledge and skills from On-the-job-training (73%), followed by Informal learning (65%). Almost half of the respondents (49%) said they gained someof their current microfinance knowledge and skills from Conferences (49%) and Short courses of Workshops (38%) courses. More than half of respondents said they gained none of their current knowledge and skills from Distance learning courses (89%), Online courses (81%), Long term or degree courses (57%), or online conferences online courses (68%).

Which learning events did respondents find useful for gaining new microfinance knowledge and skills? Conferences (both regular and online) were found to be the most useful for gaining knowledge, while On-the-job training, Informal learning, and Short courses/workshops were found to be the most useful for gaining skills.

What were respondents’ most pressing needs for microfinance knowledge or skills and how would they prefer to gain them? The most commonly cited needs for microfinance knowledge or skills included: Business and Strategic planning, Product development, and Accounting/Audits.

All respondents selected a preferred mix of 2 or more learning events to gain the knowledge or skill listed. The most commonly selected learning events were: Short courses or workshops (listed by 69%), On-the-job-training (listed by 49%), and Informally/On your own (listed by 37%).

To find a variety of upcoming microfinance learning events on these and other topics, go to FSTRC's Upcoming Events page.

For more information about learning styles and preferences, go to:

International Learning Styles Network

Learning Styles Resources Site