The Propensity of State Legislatures to License Interior Designers

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify variables to be used in creating a licensing propensity model that would predict the likelihood that state legislatures will regulate the occupation of interior design. RESEARCH DESIGN: The history of occupational licensing and licensing of interior designers was reviewed to explore what has happened in the past and where the issue stands today. The review of the literature identified ten variables to be considered for the model. Data were acquired from primary sources, government sources, and professional associations. ANALYSIS: Frequencies, chi–squares, t–tests, and logistic regression analysis were performed on the variables, using the statistical package SPSS. KEY FINDINGS: Analysis of the data indicated that two variables, the number of lawyers in a state legislature and the ratio of interior designers to the population of a state, were significant. Results indicated that these variables accurately predicted 73% of the cases in the criterion variable, the presence or absence of licensure of interior designers in a state in those states that have addressed the issue. CONCLUSIONS: Since the key findings suggest that licensing legislation is essentially driven by demand, interior designers should study and develop an understanding of politics and the political process. Not only would this benefit them in their efforts to gain licensure but it would make them better citizens who are not afraid of seeking change in government and its regulations.