"though I think it can be counterproductive to call it “informalâ€ if your client employs 100 or more people."

This is an interesting point you raise, Dave. There is definitely a tension between mandated training and individual, informal learning. I think that this is one of the big challenges for large organisations. You have to give up central control in order to create an environment that supports informal learning. Less control will be better for learning, and I believe for innovation, but those in charge won't be able to micro-manage it. As the need for continuous learning becomes a business necessity, we may actually see more democratic workplaces.

Of course, this will not happen overnight and it will be resisted. I'm betting that this loosening of control is inevitable with global, networked markets and competitors. But then I could be wrong.